Night of the Taranta: rhythm, tradition, and Salento identity
Every summer, in the streets and squares of the towns of Salento, a magic is renewed made of music, dance, and tradition: the Night of the Taranta. An event that is much more than a concert; it is an explosion of collective energy, a popular ritual that unites different generations, tourists and locals alike, all drawn by the overwhelming charm of the pizzica.
What is the Night of the Taranta?
The Night of the Taranta is a traveling music festival held every year in August, visiting dozens of towns in Salento and culminating with the grand final concert in Melpignano, often attended by more than 100,000 people. Born in 1998, the festival has grown year after year to become the most important musical event dedicated to popular culture in Italy and one of the most significant in Europe.
Its goal is to enhance and rediscover the musical roots of the territory, focusing on the pizzica, a traditional dance that has its origins in the healing rituals of tarantism, a phenomenon once believed to be caused by the bite of a tarantula.
A bridge between tradition and innovation
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Night of the Taranta is its ability to preserve the identity of the territory while opening up to the world. Each edition features a different Maestro Concertatore — often a nationally or internationally renowned artist — who reinterprets traditional songs with a contemporary approach, mixing pizzica, folk, rock, jazz, electronic, and global sounds.
The result is a unique musical experience, where tambourines and violins dialogue with electric guitars and synthesizers, while maintaining the authentic spirit of the festival.
A popular celebration that involves everyone
The Night of the Taranta is not just music: it is a collective celebration. The squares come alive, towns become open-air stages, and people dance everywhere, sharing spontaneous joy and freedom. Families reunite, young people discover the roots of their grandparents, and visitors are enchanted by the power of tradition.
During the festival, it is also possible to participate in dance workshops, cultural meetings, exhibitions, and tastings of local products, making the event a perfect opportunity to fully immerse yourself in Salento’s culture.
The Taranta just steps away from us
If you stay at Agriturismo Il Megalite in August, don’t miss the chance to experience the Night of the Taranta up close. Our agriturismo is strategically located to reach the festival’s stops in nearby towns, including Melpignano, home of the grand final concert.
After a day spent in nature, relaxation, and good food, you can end your evening under the stars, dancing the pizzica alongside thousands of people, breathing in the authenticity and energy of Salento.
An experience that stays in the heart
The Night of the Taranta is not just something to tell about: it’s something to live. It is a chance to feel part of something bigger, an emotional journey through the memory and present of a land that never ceases to surprise. Whether you are coming for the first time or are already fond of this event, every edition has something new to offer.
