Night of the Ronde (Ronde della Taranta)

The Night of the Ronde in Galatina

The Night of the Ronde, also known as Ronde della Taranta, is one of the most authentic appointments in the Salento calendar. It takes place in the historic center of Galatina, in the Province of Lecce, and is organized by the La Notte della Taranta Foundation the day after the famous Melpignano Concertone. Unlike the large final concert, there are no fixed stages here: the pizzica returns to its original dimension, that of the ronde, the circles of musicians and dancers that form spontaneously in squares and courtyards.

Ronde in the squares

From the evening, groups of tambourine players, singers, and dancers set off from various points in the historic center, crossing it with the voices and instruments of the Salento folk tradition: tambourines, accordions, guitars, and violins. The itinerant ronde involve residents and visitors, who are invited to enter the circle and dance in a collective ritual of sharing. The route then converges in Piazza San Pietro, in front of the church of Saints Peter and Paul, where the large participatory maxi-ronda is held, continuing until late at night.

Galatina, city of tarantism

Galatina is no ordinary location for this event. The city is historically linked to the myth of tarantism: here stands the Chapel of San Paolo, the destination for the tarantate who, according to tradition, were taken to the saint's well to be freed from the bite of the taranta through music and dance. The Night of the Ronde reconnects this ancient thread, restoring the ritual and communal value of the pizzica and highlighting the deep roots of Salento culture.

A widespread and free event

The event unfolds in an itinerant and widespread form through the streets and squares of the historic center, with free admission. It is designed as a moment of popular celebration open to all, with no distinction between audience and protagonists: anyone can join the circle. The event is part of the wider program of the La Notte della Taranta Festival, the summer ritual that enlivens Grecìa Salentina every August, attracting enthusiasts from all over Italy and abroad.

The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially announced. The Melpignano Concertone is scheduled for Saturday, August 22, 2026, and, as per tradition, the Night of the Ronde in Galatina takes place the following day.