SalTaranta

SalTaranta, when Acuto becomes a night of folk music

Every year, in mid-August, the small village of Acuto, perched on the Ernici Mountains in the province of Frosinone, transforms into a large open-air stage. SalTaranta is the white night dedicated to folk music in the municipality of Acuto: an evening where the alleys, squares, and corners of the historic center fill with sounds, dances, and crowds dancing until the first light of dawn. It is one of the landmark events of the Acuto Summer, the seasonal program that brings the village to life between July and August.

A festival born in 2010

The event was founded in 2010 with the ambition to rediscover and foster dialogue between the musical cultures of the various regions of Central and Southern Italy — from Lazio to Puglia, from Campania to Calabria — united by similar historical and social roots and the captivating charm of the dances and rhythms of the tarantella, saltarello, taranta, and pizzica. The name itself, a play on words between the "jumping" (saltare) of the dance and the "taranta", perfectly captures the spirit of the evening.

Music, rhythms, and dances of the South

Each edition features folk, ethnic, and world music groups carefully selected by the organizers, performing on one or more stages located throughout the village. The format is that of an itinerant and participatory festival: the audience moves between locations, tambourines and accordions mark the rhythm of the night, and dance circles form spontaneously in the squares. It is an opportunity to experience the folk traditions of Central and Southern Italy up close in an authentic and convivial setting.

Flavors and atmosphere of the village

As is traditional for white nights, during SalTaranta, local businesses remain open, and visitors can find food stalls along the route offering typical dishes and products from the Ciociaria region. The scenic lighting of the historic center and the festive atmosphere do the rest, making the evening perfect for curious visitors, families, and folk music enthusiasts alike.

Acuto and the Ciociaria

Acuto is a small municipality in lower Lazio, in the heart of Ciociaria, known for its panoramic views of the Ernici Mountains and its lively summer event season. With SalTaranta, the village celebrates a musical heritage shared by the entire South, confirming itself every August as a reference point for those seeking live folk music in Lazio.