Settembre al Borgo

A historic festival in the heart of Campania

Settembre al Borgo is one of Campania's most beloved and long-standing cultural events. Founded in 1971 by Michele De Simone, it is considered one of the first live performance festivals in Southern Italy, transforming the medieval center of Casertavecchia into an open-air stage for over half a century. Promoted by the Municipality of Caserta with the support of the Campania Region, the festival has grown with each edition while maintaining its original mission: bringing high-quality culture to places of extraordinary beauty without losing its connection to the local community.

The venues: Casertavecchia and the Belvedere of San Leucio

The heart of the event is the Medieval Village of Casertavecchia, perched on the slopes of the Tifatini Mountains, with its Romanesque Cathedral, stone alleys, and historic courtyards. Many performances are also held at the Belvedere of San Leucio, a UNESCO-recognized site and symbol of the ancient Caserta silk art. The combination of monumental heritage and contemporary programming makes Settembre al Borgo a unique experience: attending a concert or theatrical performance in these spaces means experiencing the history and culture of the region firsthand.

Authorial theatre, jazz, and literature

The programming is multidisciplinary and national in scope. Over the years, the festival has hosted authorial theatre, jazz, classical and folk music, dance, visual arts, and photography exhibitions. This is complemented by the Un Borgo di Libri literary festival, featuring meetings, dialogues, and presentations within the village walls, as well as a rich program of creative workshops for children and families. It is a lineup designed for a wide audience, alternating great performers of the Italian scene with more intimate offerings tied to the Campanian identity.

The 2026 edition

The 54th edition will return in September 2026. The Municipality of Caserta has confirmed the artistic direction of actor and director Massimiliano Gallo, who led the 2025 edition, and has allocated 200,000 euros under the 2026 Culture and Tourism Strategic Plan of the Campania Region. The detailed program, including dates, performances, and times, will be released by the organizers in the weeks leading up to the event.

A free event for everyone

One of the hallmarks of Settembre al Borgo is that it is free of charge: admission to performances is open to the public, usually on a first-come, first-served basis. This choice, championed by the Municipality and Province of Caserta, has made the festival a popular and inclusive event, attracting thousands of visitors from across Campania and beyond every year. Those arriving in Casertavecchia during these days can combine the cultural program with a stroll through the village, a visit to the Cathedral, and a culinary stop at the local trattorias.