Portici d'Estate International Award
Edition 2026 Music French chanson Variety

Portici d'Estate International Award

The gala evening celebrating excellence in the heart of Martina Franca

Martina Franca — Taranto (073) Since 1991
Dates 01 Aug 2026
Location Martina Franca (073)
Prices Free
Status

Edition 2026 not confirmed to date

This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.

About Portici d'Estate

The Portici d'Estate International Award is the gala evening that lights up the historic center of Martina Franca, in the province of Taranto, every summer. Conceived in the early nineties by Antonio Rubino as one of Puglia's first major fashion shows held beneath the town's historic arches, the event has evolved into an award ceremony honoring Italian and international excellence in culture, art, entertainment, journalism, and business. It is a night of live music, special guests, and accolades, set against the stunning backdrop of the Basilica of San Martino, culminating in a toast under the stars.

A night of elegance in the heart of the Valle d'Itria

The Portici d'Estate International Award is a signature event of the summer in Martina Franca, the white city of the Valle d'Itria, in the province of Taranto. For one night, the event transforms the Baroque historic center into an open-air theater where fashion, culture, music, and entertainment converge beneath the ancient arches and porticoes.

From fashion shows under the arches to an international award

The history of this event dates back to the early nineties, when Antonio Rubino created one of Puglia's first major fashion shows, setting it directly beneath the arches and porticoes of Martina Franca's old town. For over thirty years, Portici d'Estate has been a landmark in the fashion and entertainment scene of Southern Italy, attracting designers, television personalities, and artists to the city.

Over time, the format has been renewed: today, Portici d'Estate is presented as an International Award, celebrating Italian and international excellence in the fields of culture, art, entertainment, journalism, and entrepreneurship. It is an engaging celebratory evening where prominent figures are honored before the local audience.

The parvis of the Basilica of San Martino

The setting chosen for the event is one of the most evocative in Puglia: the parvis of the Basilica of San Martino, overlooking Piazza Plebiscito, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. For one night, the square becomes a stage under the stars, enhanced by lighting effects that highlight the facades and architectural details.

A city event

Portici d'Estate is part of the summer event calendar promoted by the Municipality of Martina Franca through the Department of Tourism, and it is integrated into the city's rich cultural season, which also hosts the renowned Festival della Valle d'Itria during the same period. Admission to the evening is free and open to both residents and visitors, offering a chance to experience one of the most elegant traditions of the Martina Franca summer.

  • Setting in the Baroque historic center of Martina Franca
  • Awards for excellence in culture, art, entertainment, journalism, and business
  • Live music and celebrity guests
  • Final toast under the stars

Portici d'Estate — edition 2026

The 2026 edition of the Portici d'Estate International Award is expected in the historic center of Martina Franca, following the traditional summer schedule. The dates and program for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially announced: the event, which took place on August 10, 2025, on the parvis of the Basilica of San Martino, usually confirms its calendar and guests closer to the event date.

The Municipality of Martina Franca and the organizers have not yet announced the official dates and cast for the 2026 edition of the Portici d'Estate International Award. As with previous editions, the event is expected during the summer season, amidst the squares of the historic center of the white city of the Valle d'Itria.

The detailed program—presenters, guests, musical artists, and award recipients—will be announced in the weeks leading up to the event. This page will be updated as soon as official information becomes available.

Practical information — Portici d'Estate

Location

The event takes place in the historic center of Martina Franca (TA), on the parvis of the Basilica of San Martino, in Piazza Plebiscito.

How to get there

By car: Martina Franca can be reached via the SS172 dei Trulli. By train: the city is served by the Ferrovie del Sud Est line (connections with Bari and Taranto). Nearest airports: Bari-Palese and Brindisi-Salento.

Admission

Free entry. It is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot in the square.

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Where does it take place — Portici d'Estate

Sagrato della Basilica di San Martino

Piazza Plebiscito, 74015 Martina Franca

Portici d'Estate in brief

Music French chanson Variety Heritage Folk traditions Fashion Outdoor Night Free Multidisciplinary International Taranto

History of Portici d'Estate