On warm summer nights in southern Puglia, the rhythm of tambourines echoes through ancient piazzas, drawing thousands into a shared, almost hypnotic celebration. This is La Notte della Taranta—The Night of the Taranta—Europe’s largest folk music festival and one of the most powerful expressions of Salento’s cultural soul.
Held each August, with its grand finale in the village of Melpignano near Lecce, the festival is far more than a concert. It is a living ritual where music, dance, and traditional cuisine come together, offering travellers a rare opportunity to experience Puglia as locals do: collectively, passionately, and under the stars.
An Ancient Ritual Turned Cultural Phenomenon
The origins of The Night of the Taranta lie in tarantismo, a centuries-old belief that the bite of a tarantula spider caused hysteria—particularly in women—which could only be cured through intense music and dance. The resulting ritual dance, pizzica, became both a form of healing and communal expression.
Over time, pizzica evolved beyond its ritual roots, transforming into a proud symbol of Salento identity. Today, La Notte della Taranta honours this heritage while reinterpreting it through contemporary arrangements, guest musicians, and orchestral performances—bridging past and present in a uniquely Puglian way.
Melpignano: The Beating Heart of the Festival
While smaller concerts take place across Salento throughout August, all roads lead to Melpignano, a modest village that becomes the epicentre of the region’s cultural life on the night of the final concert.
Set against the backdrop of historic stone buildings and open countryside, Melpignano hosts an extraordinary open-air performance attended by tens of thousands. Despite its scale, the atmosphere remains deeply communal—families, travellers, and locals dancing side by side, united by rhythm rather than spectacle.
Pizzica Under the Stars: Music That Moves a Region
At the heart of the festival is pizzica, driven by the hypnotic beat of the tamburello, violins, accordions, and urgent vocals. The dance itself is energetic and expressive, traditionally performed in pairs, yet during La Notte della Taranta, formality dissolves.
Spectators become participants. Circles form organically. The line between performer and audience disappears. This is not a performance to observe quietly—it is an experience to feel, embodied in movement and shared emotion.
Traditional Cuisine: Tasting Salento During The Festival
Food is inseparable from celebration in Puglia, and The Night of the Taranta is no exception. As music fills the air, the aromas of local cooking drift through Melpignano’s streets.
Festival-goers sample rustic Salento favourites such as:
• Rustico leccese, puff pastry filled with béchamel and tomato
• Sagne ‘ncannulate, hand-rolled pasta served with slow-cooked sauces
• Grilled local sausages and bombette, cooked over open flames
Paired with generous pours of Negroamaro, Primitivo, or chilled local rosato, the food reflects the same values as the festival itself: simplicity, generosity, and deep-rooted tradition.
Lecce and the Festival Trail Across Salento
Our clients wisely choose to base themselves in Lecce, Salento’s elegant Baroque capital, during Taranta season. By day, Lecce offers sunlit architecture, artisan workshops, and refined dining; by night, it becomes a gateway to the surrounding villages hosting Taranta concerts throughout August.
This festival trail allows visitors to explore lesser-known towns, experience intimate performances, and gradually build toward the climactic night in Melpignano—an ideal balance of discovery and celebration.
Planning Your Visit: When And How To Experience It Well
La Notte della Taranta typically culminates in late August, one of Puglia’s most vibrant times. Due to its popularity, thoughtful planning is essential. Accommodation fills quickly, transport can be challenging, and navigating the crowds is far easier with local insight.
Experience THE NIGHT OF THE TARANTA IN A CLASSIC PUGLIA JOURNEY
La Notte della Taranta embodies everything that defines Classic Puglia: ancient traditions kept alive, food rooted in the land, music that connects generations, and a powerful sense of place.
The Night of the Taranta is not something you simply attend; it is something you carry with you long after you leave Puglia. If this sounds like your dream holiday, get in touch with our Puglia experts to help you make it a reality.
