Concertone Finale
Thousands gather to dance and listen to traditional pizzica music performed by local and guest musicians
Night of the Tarantula
La Notte della Taranta
Melpignano, Italy
Aug 22, 2026ExpectedSource
Each August, the Salento town of Melpignano hosts La Notte della Taranta, a festival devoted to the pizzica, the fast spinning folk dance once believed to cure a spider's bite. It builds to a huge final concert where hundreds of thousands dance under the stars, in Italy's great celebration of southern folk music.
Key moments
Where it happens
Piazza Castello
Melpignano, Italy
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Dress for the setting
Comfortable clothing for dancing
Respect local boundaries
No special protocols beyond general respect for performers and tradition
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: very high.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaMAJOR COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Night of the Tarantula
La Notte della Taranta
Melpignano, Italy
Each August, the Salento town of Melpignano hosts La Notte della Taranta, a festival devoted to the pizzica, the fast spinning folk dance once believed to cure a spider's bite. It builds to a huge final concert where hundreds of thousands dance under the stars, in Italy's great celebration of southern folk music.
AnchorCultural anchor
Aug 22, 2026Expected dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
Salento’s deep-rooted tradition of tarantella (pizzica) is showcased through a series of concerts and dance events across July and August. It emphasizes local folk heritage while incorporating world music influences, highlighting Salento’s cultural identity.
Key moments to know
Concertone Finale
Thousands gather to dance and listen to traditional pizzica music performed by local and guest musicians
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Dress for the setting
Comfortable clothing for dancing
Respect local boundaries
No special protocols beyond general respect for performers and tradition
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Aug 22, 2026
Estimated
City / Area
Melpignano
Salento (Puglia)
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
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