Abball - Festival di Musica Popolare a Rotondella

Abball” is born: Rotondella hosts the Popular Music Festival that blends tradition and contemporary culture
From 7 to 9 August, a three-day event of educational activities and performances to promote the culture of popular music

ROTONDELLA – From 7 to 9 August 2026, Basilicata will host three days of music, dance and community life. The event will take place in Rotondella, the so-called “Balcony of the Ionian Sea”, a Lucanian village with a circular layout that evokes the idea of connection and community.

The programme includes evening concerts featuring two popular music groups each night, alongside workshops, dance classes, educational activities and cultural discussions focused on the musical traditions of Southern Italy.

“Abball” will not simply be a music festival, but a genuine collective celebration, capable of involving all generations. Particular attention will be devoted to younger participants, with dedicated educational activities and opportunities for children and teenagers to take part.

The educational activities will culminate every evening in community performances involving the participating groups, transforming the main square into a place of shared energy through dance, rhythm and identity.

The festival is organised by the Social Promotion Association Intorno, in collaboration with the Municipality of Rotondella. The promoters are Federico Suriano, president of the association, Federica Dimatteo, Rocco Mauro and Giambattista Mauro.

“The title chosen for the event,” explain the four organisers, “is intended as a persuasive invitation to get people dancing, trying to involve even the most ‘shy’ participants through the rhythm and sounds of tradition. The aim is to make everyone an active part of the event, rather than simply curious spectators. The initiative was created with the purpose of strengthening the cultural and tourist vitality of the area during a period of high visitor numbers, offering citizens and tourists an immersive experience made of sounds, stories, traditions and sharing.”

The concerts and community activities will take place in Piazza Unità d’Italia. The area offers accommodation options, including holiday homes and guest houses; in nearby towns, particularly Nova Siri, there are also camper and caravan parking areas.

Throughout the evenings, food and wine stands featuring typical local products will be available, offering a complete experience combining music with the flavours of the region. The evenings will be “artistically narrated” by painter Salvatore Veltri.

The festival will open on 7 August with the inauguration ceremony and a contribution from guest speaker Rocco Laguardia, researcher and performer of Rotondella’s traditional songs. This will be followed by a dance workshop on the pizzica of Lower Murgia, including a historical and musical overview. The evening will continue with a celebration featuring concerts by the groups Sanda Luci’ and Sckattacorë.

On 8 August, the programme begins with a pizzica lesson for children, followed by a tammurriata workshop curated by “Isidoro a paranza”. The evening will feature concerts by Acustika and A Paranza do Tramuntan.

On 9 August, the grand finale begins at 6:00 pm with a workshop by the Montemarano Tarantella School. This will be followed by educational activities for children and teenagers with Hiram Salsano, Battista Band, and the Montemarano Tarantella School, together with Li Sënaturë from Ostuni.

A special moment will be “Fili di Voce”, a Southern Italian polyphonic singing workshop curated by Francesco Rina and Maria Sgro, featuring vocal training, work on polyphony, and traditional songs performed in choirs and small groups. The workshop is open to everyone; no previous experience is required.

Throughout all evenings, food and wine stands featuring typical local products will be available, offering a complete experience between music and the flavours of the area.

Free admission.
Web: www.instagram.com/abball_fe...