Villa Castelli Pride

A Pride in the heart of Puglia

The Villa Castelli Pride is the rainbow event of Villa Castelli, a small town of just over eight thousand inhabitants in the province of Brindisi, on the edge of the Itria Valley. In a region often dominated by large urban events, this festival proves that the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights is not just a metropolitan affair: it is born and grows in villages, along the streets of a town that chooses to paint itself rainbow every year.

The history: from the first edition in 2024

The first edition was held in June 2024 at the Parco Madre Teresa di Calcutta, as an event designed to celebrate and defend the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. From the start, the event united a wide network of local associations, transforming a small local initiative into an annual appointment that has now established itself as one of the most iconic stops on the Puglian Pride calendar.

One event, many voices

Villa Castelli Pride is not just a simple parade: it is a full day of theatrical performances, personal testimonies, artistic and cultural exhibitions, live music, and DJ sets. The common thread is the concept of family, understood not only as a traditional unit but also as a community that welcomes, supports, and recognizes every identity. The organization, managed by Villa Castelli On Line APS, involves numerous local entities: the Laboratorio Collettivo, Libreria Circe, the Se Puede Social Cooperative, the Collettivo Fluo, the ANPI of Ceglie Messapica, and the ASD Robur, under the patronage of the Municipality of Villa Castelli.

The link with Salento Pride

While maintaining its own autonomous identity, Villa Castelli Pride is part of the Salento Pride coordination and represents one of its lead-up events. Before the main event, actual open days are organized—public assemblies open to associations, institutions, and citizens to define political priorities together and draft the territory's manifesto of demands. It is a way to turn listening into action, with a community that stays engaged all year round, not just on the day of the festival.

Why it's worth attending

Participating in Villa Castelli Pride means experiencing a free, grassroots public event where civil activism blends with celebration. It is an opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the Brindisi province, support a courageous community, and rediscover the value of villages as places of culture, inclusion, and change.