Strade in Canto - Gaetano Torresi Memorial

Strade in Canto, the folk music festival in Giulianova

Strade in Canto - Gaetano Torresi Memorial is the folk music and dance festival that transforms the historic centre of Giulianova Alta, in the province of Teramo, into a massive open-air stage every July. For three evenings, starting at 7:00 PM, Piazza Bruno Buozzi and the village streets come alive with traditional sounds, songs, and dances, drawing enthusiasts and curious visitors from across Abruzzo and beyond.

A memorial dedicated to Gaetano Torresi

The event is dedicated to the memory of Gaetano Torresi, the founder, heart, and president of the folk group I Caferza (Associazione Culturale Gruppo Corale Gaetano Braga - I Caferza), who passed away in October 2024. A charismatic, imaginative, and unifying figure, Torresi had strongly pushed for the return of Strade in Canto: today, the festival celebrates his passion for folk culture and local traditions, becoming a staple of the Giulianova summer.

Folk music and groups from all over Italy

The programme features folk music concerts and performances by groups from various regions, showcasing traditional dances, choreography, and songs in local dialects. Local bands and national guests take turns on stage, weaving a tapestry of rhythms ranging from tarantellas to historical dances, engaging the public in the square until late at night.

The diatonic accordion competition

A distinctive element of the festival is the diatonic accordion competition, organised in collaboration with A.M.I.SA.D. a.p.s. of Maiolati Spontini. The competition, divided into categories by instrument and age, serves as a qualifier for the Italian Championship: musicians who achieve the required scores advance to the national finals, in a showcase that has attracted players from all over the country for years.

More than just music: food, crafts, and families

• Food stalls with local specialities run by local vendors
• Craft market winding through the historic centre streets
• Children's area with games and entertainment
• Seminars and workshops on folk dancing

An event supported by the Municipality of Giulianova and the Abruzzo region

Organised by I Caferza with the patronage of the Municipality of Giulianova and the Province of Teramo, Strade in Canto is now one of the most cherished folk music events on the Teramo coast. Set in the charming upper village of Giulianova, among alleys, churches, and views of the Adriatic, the festival combines the promotion of Abruzzo's folk heritage with the warmth of a community celebration, all with free admission.