Rifondazione in Festa

A political festival running for over thirty years

In the heart of the Gargano, in San Giovanni Rotondo (Foggia province, Puglia), Rifondazione in Festa is a staple of the summer season: one of Italy's most enduring and popular political events, reaching its 31st edition in 2025. Rooted in the tradition of historic left-wing popular festivals, it is organized by activists from the Communist Refoundation Party and remains a rare example of a fully self-funded event, built each year through the voluntary, unpaid work of dozens of activists.

Where and how it takes place

The festival is held in the internal courtyard of the Scuola Melchionda, a space that transforms into an open square for a few evenings. The format is the tried-and-tested one of popular festivals: four evenings featuring live concerts, public debates, food stalls, and moments of conviviality. Admission is always free, and the popular cuisine, prepared by volunteers, is one of the key ingredients that keeps the participation of entire local families alive.

Music and debate, together

What sets Rifondazione in Festa apart is the balance between entertainment and reflection. Each evening, a debate on current affairs—rights, repression, peace, international conflicts, social issues—precedes the concert or DJ set that brings the night to life. Over the years, the stage has hosted nationally renowned musicians and guests, as well as politicians, jurists, journalists, and activists, in a direct dialogue with the audience that is an integral part of the festival's spirit.

A cultural hub for the community

More than just an event, Rifondazione in Festa has become a cultural and community hub for San Giovanni Rotondo and the entire Gargano area over the years. In a town known worldwide primarily for the shrine of Padre Pio, the festival offers a secular, popular, and participatory space where people can meet, eat together, listen to good music, and discuss politics and society without barriers. It is this ability to unite social life and commitment that makes it an eagerly awaited appointment every summer.