Popular Dance Festival
Three days of popular dance, music, and theatre at Parco Castelli
About Salterio Festival
The festival of world dances
The Popular Dance Festival, also known as the Salterio Festival, is one of the most beloved events of the Brescia spring. Organized by the Associazione Il Salterio, it takes place at Parco Castelli in Brescia and celebrates popular dances, music, and theatre from around the world, in a lively dialogue between different cultures.
Three days across continents
The program ideally spans different continents: from African dances to Indian performances, from Mediterranean dances to those from Puglia and the Gargano region, with the participation of local groups and international guests. Live music, theatre, and entertainment alternate on stage and in the park areas, in a crescendo of colours and rhythms.
A participatory festival
The distinctive feature of the Salterio Festival is participation: the public is not just an audience, but is invited to dance along with the artists, to learn steps and movements in the dance workshops open to all. Children also have their own dedicated entertainment moments, in a festive atmosphere that involves all generations.
Popular culture in Brescia
With over twenty years of history, the festival is now a benchmark for fans of ethnic dance and music in Lombardy. Free and outdoors, it transforms Parco Castelli in Brescia into a meeting place for traditions, where popular culture becomes a shared experience and an opportunity to discover distant worlds.
Salterio Festival — edition 2026
The 22nd edition of the Popular Dance Festival will liven up Parco Castelli in Brescia from May 29 to 31, 2026, organized by Associazione Il Salterio. Three days of dance, music, and popular theatre from around the world, with shows, performances, and workshops open to all.
The program spans African, Indian, Mediterranean, and Puglian traditions, featuring Italian groups and international guests, in a participatory and free-admission festive atmosphere.
Programme Salterio Festival 2026
Friday, May 29
- "Kanu", an African storytelling of music, theatre, and dance by Piccoli Idilli APS
- Indian dance performances by the Bhangra Vibes group (Cremona province), with audience participation
Saturday, May 30 (Parco Castelli Plaza)
- "Dances from the Mediterranean Sea", with participants from the 2026 course and the Il Salterio group
- Performance by the Slovak group Sillmarione from Bratislava
- Entertainment with live music by the Gli Zanni group from Ranica (Bergamo) and the Il Salterio group
Sunday, May 31
- 4:00 PM — Children's entertainment by Il Salterio
- 5:30 PM — Puglian dance workshop from Carpino (Gargano) with the Tittomme group
- 8:30 PM — Concert with Puglian dances by the Tittomme group
Highlights Salterio Festival 2026
The African storytelling "Kanu", the Slovak group Sillmarione, and the Puglian dance workshop from Carpino.
Prices Salterio Festival 2026
Practical information — Salterio Festival
Where
Parco Castelli, via Benedetto Castelli 11, Brescia.
When
Three days at the end of May (Friday-Sunday). Shows and workshops in the afternoon and evening.
Admission
All shows, events, and workshops are free and open to participation, with no reservation required.
How to get there
Parco Castelli is located in the Mompiano district, reachable by public transport and metro. Brescia is served by the Milan-Venice high-speed line and the A4 motorway.
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Where does it take place — Salterio Festival
Parco Castelli
Via Benedetto Castelli 11, 25123 Brescia