Tarantella Players Gathering

The Tarantella Players Gathering

The Tarantella Players Gathering is one of the most cherished events of the summer in Monte Sant'Angelo, a town in the Province of Foggia perched on the Gargano promontory in Puglia. For two days, the historic center turns into a sprawling stage where musicians, singers, dancers, and enthusiasts gather to revive the emotions and sounds of the Gargano tarantella, forming a true folk orchestra.

A resilient tradition

The tarantella has deep roots in the peasant culture of Southern Italy. According to popular tradition, the bite of the 'taranta' spider caused a dancing fever that could only be cured by dancing frantically to the rhythm of specific music. Over time, this ritual evolved into an authentic form of artistic and cultural identity: the Gargano tarantella, with its chitarre battenti, tambourines, and long-drawn-out songs, is now a symbol of belonging for the entire community.

The historic center as a stage

The heart of the event is the evocative Junno district, with its narrow alleys, low-rise houses, and courtyards that become natural spaces for sharing. Performances animate iconic spots such as the Cloister of the Clarisse, which hosts workshops, Largo Dauno, the venue for evening concerts, and Piazza de Galganis, where the final 'Suonata di Saluto' (Farewell Performance) takes place. The atmosphere, filled with music until late at night, is reminiscent of a Fellini film set.

Program and activities

The Gathering is more than just concerts: the two days are enriched by a packed calendar of in-depth activities designed for those who want to get up close with the tradition:

• Dance workshops (Gargano tarantella, salterello, tammurriata)
• Musical workshops on frame tambourines, singing, and traditional work and migration songs of the South
• Craft workshops (ceramics, macramé) and traveling photography exhibitions
• Evening concerts featuring groups and singers of the Southern folk tradition
• The "Good Night of the Players," acoustic performances late into the night

A heritage to be experienced

Included among the major summer events promoted by the Municipality of Monte Sant'Angelo as part of the "La Porta del Cielo" campaign, the Gathering represents much more than a music festival: it is a bridge between past and present that unites generations in the preservation of collective memory. It is an opportunity to discover, beyond the music, the charm of a UNESCO World Heritage village, famous for the Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel and its thousand-year history.