Serenata alla Tarantella
The festival of folk music and traditional dances of the Gargano in Vieste
About Serenata alla Tarantella
Serenata alla Tarantella: the folk roots of the Gargano in Vieste
Serenata alla Tarantella is one of the most beloved festivals of the summer in Vieste, a stunning town on the Gargano peninsula in the province of Foggia, Puglia. Established in 2017, the event has grown year after year to become a defining appointment for the Vieste community, a true tribute to the music, songs, and dances of Southern Italy's folk tradition.
The beating heart of the festival is Marina Piccola, the ancient fishermen's quarter overlooking the sea, which transforms into an open-air stage for several summer evenings. Here, pizzica, Gargano tarantella, tammurriata, and folk rhythms from all over the South intertwine through the alleys and squares, drawing residents and tourists into one great dancing celebration.
Music, dance, and folk culture
Serenata alla Tarantella is more than just a series of concerts: it is a cultural project aimed at safeguarding and passing on the region's intangible heritage. Each edition offers tambourine, chitarra battente, and Gargano tarantella workshops, meetings and conferences on traditional culture, photography exhibitions, food and wine experiences, and activities for families.
Alongside local groups, prestigious artists from the Italian folk scene take the stage, reinterpreting ancient rhythms with contemporary energy. The festival also focuses on social dimensions, with initiatives like "Tarantella for Grandparents" in nursing homes, and tourism, with visits to the famous trabucchi (traditional fishing platforms), excursions in the Foresta Umbra, and itineraries to discover the historic center of Vieste.
A defining event for Vieste and the Gargano
Promoted by the Serenata alla Tarantella APS Association, the event is now a symbol of the Vieste summer and a model of how folk culture can become a driver for community and hospitality. In one of the most beautiful natural settings in Puglia, between the crystal-clear sea and the cliffs of the Gargano, Serenata alla Tarantella offers four days of joy, sharing, and collective memory, where music becomes a true declaration of love for the territory.
Serenata alla Tarantella — edition 2026
Serenata alla Tarantella 2026: the tenth edition
From July 6 to 9, 2026, Vieste celebrates the tenth anniversary of Serenata alla Tarantella, with a rich program spread across Marina Piccola and the historic center. Four days dedicated to the folk music and dances of Southern Italy, featuring evening concerts, workshops, exhibitions, and cultural meetings.
The festival opens on July 6 with the meeting "Singing, dancing, playing to (Re)exist", dedicated to the role of women in folk tradition. On July 7, the Gargano group Terranima takes the stage, blending pizzica, tarantella, and contemporary sounds. On July 8, Marina Piccola hosts a concert by the Podolik Band and the Musici e Cantatori di Carpino. The final day, July 9, features the "Tarantella for Grandparents" in the afternoon, and in the evening, performances by the maritime group "A Shcaffette", Ritmi di Terra, artist Davide Longo, and comedian Santino Caravella, culminating in the grand concert by Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino at 10:00 PM.
Throughout the event, there will be workshops on tambourine, chitarra battente, and Gargano tarantella, visits to the trabucchi, excursions in the Foresta Umbra, the "La Rete" photography exhibition, and food and wine events.
Programme Serenata alla Tarantella 2026
2026 Program
- July 6 – Meeting "Singing, dancing, playing to (Re)exist": women in folk tradition
- July 7 – Performance by the group Terranima
- July 8 – Concert by the Podolik Band and the Musici e Cantatori di Carpino at Marina Piccola
- July 9 – "Tarantella for Grandparents" in the afternoon; evening performances by "A Shcaffette", Ritmi di Terra, Davide Longo, Santino Caravella, and Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino (10:00 PM)
Also scheduled are workshops on tambourine, chitarra battente, and Gargano tarantella, visits to the trabucchi, excursions in the Foresta Umbra, and the "La Rete" photography exhibition.
Highlights Serenata alla Tarantella 2026
Prices Serenata alla Tarantella 2026
Practical information — Serenata alla Tarantella
Where
Events mainly take place at Marina Piccola, in the historic center of Vieste (FG), with various activities spread across different locations in the city.
How to get there
Vieste can be reached by car via the SS89 Garganica; the reference railway stations are Foggia and San Severo, which are connected to Vieste by bus lines. In summer, maritime connections are active with the Tremiti Islands and other coastal towns.
Admission
Events in the square are generally free of charge. For the detailed program and any workshops, it is recommended to check the association's official channels.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Serenata alla Tarantella
Marina Piccola
Marina Piccola, 71019 Vieste