The Long Night of the Churches

2025 Edition: "Hug me!"

The 2025 edition of the Long Night of the Churches in Caprarica di Lecce took place from June 5 to 7, coinciding with the tenth anniversary of the national event and the Jubilee Year. The theme "Hug me!" inspired three evenings dedicated to the pilgrimage of hope and the journey along the Via Francigena, under the artistic direction of Vania Palumbo and organised by the Municipality.

The heart of the events was the Church of the Crucifix, joined by new spaces such as the Pilgrim's House, an artist residence inaugurated on Corso Europa. Through concerts, theatre-song, book presentations, and photography exhibitions, the festival confirmed its vocation to unite spirituality and Salento folk culture.

Thursday, June 5 — Church of the Crucifix, 8:30 PM

• Massimo Donno in "Sacred and Profane in Singer-Songwriter Music — literature in music between spirituality and religion", a journey through the works of authors such as Fabrizio De André and Franco Battiato.

Friday, June 6 — Historic Centre

• Inauguration of the Pilgrim's House, an artist residence on Corso Europa (curated by Fondo Verri).
• Route along the Via Francigena towards the town square.
• Presentation of the book "La Ferocia dei Vinti" by Andrea Morrone.
• In the evening, Marco Antonio Romano with "CULACCHI, from Facebook to the present day", ironic sketches on everyday life.

Saturday, June 7 — Church of the Crucifix, 8:30 PM

• Vania Palumbo — Concentus in "Songs in the Form of a Rose", a tribute to Southern Italian folk music with arrangements for ancient and traditional instruments and references to the Grika language.
• Photography exhibition by Maria Pacoda accompanying the concert.