Salento is getting ready for the longest night of the summer. The Concertone de La Notte della Taranta, now in its 29th edition, is scheduled for Saturday 22 August 2026 on the square of the former Convento degli Agostiniani in Melpignano (LE). Leading the Orchestra Popolare as maestro concertatore is Ermal Meta, with choreography by Fredy Franzutti.
The theme: the routes of the Mediterranean
The 2026 edition is dedicated to the Mediterranean as a meeting place between cultures. The choice of Ermal Meta goes in this direction: born in Fier, Albania, and raised in Bari, the Sanremo-winning singer-songwriter already moved the Melpignano crowd in 2025 with Lule Lule, an ancient song in the Arbëreshë language.
The announced guests
- Alessandra Amoroso: the Salento singer, born in Galatina, returns to her home region.
- Levante: she will perform the traditional classic Beddha ci dormi and a song from her new album.
- Maria Mazzotta: one of the most respected voices in European world music, she returns to the Concertone after more than ten years.
- Gisela João and Salento’s own Welo complete, for now, the guest line-up.
The Festival Itinerante
The road to Melpignano has already begun: the Festival Itinerante, titled Le vie del Mediterraneo, set off on 30 July from Corigliano d’Otranto and until 19 August travels through twenty towns in Salento, from Lecce to Nardò, from Galatina to Martano, with free concerts in the squares.
Practical info
- When: Saturday 22 August 2026.
- Where: square of the former Convento degli Agostiniani, Melpignano (LE).
- Maestro concertatore: Ermal Meta.
- Entrance: the Concertone is traditionally free; programme and updates on lanottedellataranta.it.
Frequently asked questions
Who leads the 2026 Concertone?
Ermal Meta, chosen by the Fondazione La Notte della Taranta as maestro concertatore of the 29th edition.
When does the Festival Itinerante end?
On 19 August, a few days before the Concertone in Melpignano.