Notte della Tarantella

Notte della Tarantella in Vieste

Notte della Tarantella is one of the most cherished events of the summer in Vieste, located in the heart of the Gargano in the province of Foggia. Every year, at the end of the summer, the Carlo Nobile Municipal Amphitheatre in Marina Piccola transforms into a grand open-air stage where folk music, singing, and dance tell the most authentic story of the Capitanata region. In 2026, the event reaches its 15th edition, titled "La Lun Aggir lu Munn" (The moon that travels the world), a poetic tribute to the oral traditions of the Gargano.

Gargano Tarantella: A Tradition to Rediscover

While Salento has made its pizzica world-famous, the Gargano guards an equally rich but lesser-known musical tradition: the Gargano tarantella. Featuring the chitarra battente, tambourine, organetto, and long-drawn love songs, this music is deeply rooted in the pastoral and peasant world of the promontory. Notte della Tarantella was created specifically to protect, promote, and share this heritage with a wide audience, featuring evenings that alternate between folk groups, traditional singers, folk dances, and tammorra rhythms. It is a unique opportunity to experience a piece of local identity firsthand, amidst infectious rhythms and the warm participation of the audience dancing under the stars.

The 2026 Edition

The 15th edition is scheduled for September 1st and 2nd, 2026, starting at 9:00 PM at the Carlo Nobile Amphitheatre. Admission is free for both evenings. The detailed program, including the lineup of guest groups and artists, will be announced by the organizers in the weeks leading up to the event. This well-established festival attracts numerous folk music enthusiasts and tourists vacationing on the Gargano every year.

Part of the "Vieste Estate" Program

Notte della Tarantella is a highlight of the Vieste Estate 2026 calendar, a cultural program promoted by the Municipality of Vieste that runs from May to October, featuring major concerts, cinema, sports, literary festivals, and folk traditions. Alongside events like the Libro Possibile, the Cristalda and Pizzomunno Festival, and the Vieste Summer Fest, Notte della Tarantella represents the most authentic and deep-rooted face of Vieste, showcasing the true Puglia to the many visitors who choose the Gargano as their summer destination.