The Night of the Witches

A night of theater and legend in the village of Casagreca

The Night of the Witches is a traveling theater event that enlivens the small village of Casagreca, a hamlet in the municipality of Cortino, in the province of Teramo, in the heart of Abruzzo, every summer. Nestled at an altitude of just over 800 meters within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, this corner of the Teramo hinterland becomes a natural stage for one night, offering an immersive journey through words, characters, and testimonies.

Women's stories at the heart of the evening

The initiative, promoted by the Ammandì 64040 APS association, is more than just a show; it is a choral journey that winds through the village alleys. The protagonists of the evening are the stories of women who, from Eve to the present day, have left their mark on humanity through their actions, thoughts, and experiences. Blending theater, storytelling, and tradition, the audience is guided from stage to stage by actors and narrators who bring local memories and legends back to life.

The tradition of St. John's Eve

The event is rooted in the popular tradition of St. John's Eve, when, according to ancient peasant beliefs of the Monti della Laga, woods and paths were said to be populated by witches and mysterious presences. Casagreca preserves this heritage of orally transmitted tales, which The Night of the Witches recovers and presents in a theatrical key, enhancing the cultural identity of an otherwise little-known rural Abruzzese village.

A journey through stalls and surprises

The evening begins with a warm welcome for the public: throughout the village, stalls and stations are set up, animated by stories, anecdotes, curiosities, and small surprises that immerse spectators in the atmosphere of the event. This is followed by the actual traveling performance, which concludes with a final moment of gathering between actors and the public, in the spirit of celebration and sharing typical of mountain communities.

An event in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park

The Night of the Witches is a precious opportunity to discover Casagreca and the municipality of Cortino in a setting of great natural charm. The event is part of the initiatives to promote the rural villages of the Laga area and helps keep alive the memory of a community deeply connected to its territory, blending tradition, culture, and hospitality.