Circonauta, The Circus Festival – Nardò

Experience the Magical Circonauta Festival in Nardò: A Decade of Circus Emotions

Welcome to the tenth edition of the Circonauta Festival, the most fascinating Contemporary Circus event in Southern Italy! This year, Nardò will once again transform into a wonderful “widespread stage,” ready to welcome artists and spectators from around the world for two weekends of pure circus magic.

 

A Decade of Successes and Innovations

The Circonauta Festival, created by the homonymous Social Promotion Association, celebrates its first ten years with an extraordinary program, under the artistic direction of Marco De Paola, Marinella Mazzotta, and Gianluca Marra. Thanks to the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Puglia Region, the City of Nardò, and the Nuovi Mecenati Foundation, the festival continues to grow, offering top-level performances.

 

The Inaugural Parade: A Burst of Colors and Sounds

Don’t miss the Circonauta Parade, the festival’s inaugural event, on Saturday, July 6 at 7:00 PM. A festive and vibrant procession will start from via XX Settembre, filling the streets of Nardò with breathtaking sounds, colors, and performances. The parade’s heartbeat will be the Colombian percussion collective AAINJAA, accompanied by the Cirknos circus school students and the hilarious “Colonel” Luis Loco Brusca with his “army of laughter.” It will be an inclusive and engaging party, open to everyone, starting at 7:00 PM with a gathering at 6:00 PM.

 

Music and Performances at Piazza Salandra

The “Coral Reef” of Piazza Salandra will be the festival’s nerve center, where you can enjoy unforgettable meetings, musical performances, and shows. Here are some of the must-see events:

• AAINJAA: Get ready to tremble and move to the overwhelming rhythm of Colombian batucada. You won’t be able to stay still! Saturday, July 6 at 11:15 PM, and Sunday, July 7 at 9:45 PM and 11:30 PM.
• OrcheXtra: An ensemble of Salento musicians will transport you through original melodies and jazz improvisations. Friday, July 12 at 9:30 PM and 11:00 PM.
• Hill Valley Band: A dive into the ’50s and ’60s with rock’n’roll, surf, and rockabilly. Saturday, July 13 at 9:30 PM and 11:00 PM.
• Le Cumbinate: Seven female musicians will make you dance to Afro-Latin rhythms. Sunday, July 14 at 9:30 PM and 11:00 PM.

 

Meetings and Workshops: A Reflection on Contemporary Circus

Circonauta is not just a show but also a place for culture and reflection. Participate in thematic meetings and workshops that will explore the different facets of contemporary circus:

• Meeting with Loco Brusca: Discover the history of the great Argentine performer on Sunday, July 7 at 7:00 PM.
• Capodarco Community: A meeting dedicated to the prevention and rehabilitation of mental health disorders. Friday, July 12 at 7:00 PM.
• The Circus Map: A journey through the various facets of contemporary circus with Adolfo Rossomando. Saturday, July 13 at 7:00 PM.
• Astley’s Place: An inspiring lecture on circus and madness with Raffaele De Ritis. Sunday, July 14 at 7:00 PM.

 

Photo Exhibitions: A Decade of Emotions

In the Chiostro di Sant’Antonio, home of the Museum of Prehistory, you can admire the photo exhibition “Sguardi sul Circonauta,” which recounts the highlights of past festival editions. Additionally, don’t miss “Circus Love” by Stephanie Gengotti, a personal exploration of the magic and nostalgia of the circus.

 

Tastings and Entertainment: An Inclusive Festival

Circonauta also values the territory. Participate in “I Calici di Circonauta” to taste wines from the Arneo wineries. And remember, the festival is inclusive and attentive to everyone’s needs: people with disabilities will have priority access and reserved seats.

 

 

Info and Tickets

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.liveticket.it or contact the infoline at +39 379 2405586. Ticket booths will be active during the festival in Piazza Salandra, Piazza Vescovato, and Largo Sambiasi.

Don’t miss the chance to experience a unique event, rich in emotions, performances, and culture. The Circonauta Festival awaits you in Nardò to celebrate an unforgettable decade together!