The Enchantment of “Cortili Aperti” 2024 in Martano: Stories and Flavors
The picturesque village of Martano, nestled in the heart of Salento, is preparing to welcome you for the 2024 edition of “Cortili Aperti.” From July 26 to 28, this event will transform the historic center into a vibrant scene of culture, art, music, and flavors. Streets, squares, and courtyards of historic palaces will come alive from 8:30 PM to midnight, offering three unforgettable evenings. Get ready to immerse yourself in the stories and flavors that represent the soul of Salento’s tradition.
A Journey through Stories and Flavors
This year’s edition, titled “Cunti e Sapori” (Stories and Flavors), celebrates the tales (cunti) and flavors of Salento’s tradition. The cunti are stories that evoke life in times past, conveying a sense of belonging and cultural roots that bind generations. These oral narratives paint a vivid picture of past traditions and experiences, bringing them to life again. During the festival, these stories will come alive through theatrical performances, music, and cultural encounters, allowing you to discover the most fascinating tales of Salento.
The flavors, on the other hand, represent the rich culinary heritage of the region, born from the meeting of various civilizations that have crossed this land over the centuries. Salento cuisine is a mosaic of cultural influences reflected in tasty and authentic dishes. During the festival, you will have the opportunity to savor these delights through enogastronomic routes that will guide you in discovering local products. From the humble yet genuine traditional dishes to the fine wines of Puglia’s wineries, each tasting will be a journey into the flavors that tell the story of Salento’s past and present.
Festival Program
Friday, July 26
- Piazzetta Matteotti – 8:30 PM: Opening ceremony with institutional greetings and a concert by the “Musica Insieme” Music School. This will be followed by a musical parade through the streets of the center.
- Via Calimera / Piazzetta Santa Croce – 9:00 PM: “Bimbi in Piazzetta” with games, music, and fun for children.
- Via S. Sergio – 9:30 PM: “Mia Stráta Mbropaléa – An Ancient Street” will take you on a midsummer night’s dream among the scent of incense and fantastic characters.
- Piazzetta Nilde Iotti – 10:00 PM: Concert by the Joaniti Band – Gianfreda, for an evening of good music.
- Piazza Caduti – 10:30 PM: Disco Funk with DJ Mimmo Negro on the console.
Saturday, July 27
- Via degli Uffici – 9:00 PM: “A Journey with the Harp,” a recital of original music for the harp.
- Via S. Sergio – 9:00 PM: “Mia Stráta Mbropaléa – An Ancient Street” will narrate the myth of Medusa through body painting.
- Piazza Assunta – 10:30 PM: Antonio Castrignanò and Taranta Sounds with their show “Babilonia.”
Sunday, July 28
- Via S. Sergio – 9:00 PM: Aerial acrobatic dance to the notes of a Celtic harp.
- Via degli Uffici – 9:00 PM: “Inside Me,” a performance by Serena Bovino.
- Piazza Assunta – 10:00 PM: Concert by Dario Muci and Enza Pagliara with “Talassa.”
- Piazza Caduti – 10:30 PM: Feedback Acoustic Duo, bringing you back to the great classics of the ’70s/’80s.
- Piazzetta Nilde Iotti – 10:30 PM: Evening with DJ Raffy on the console.
Every Evening
During the festival, Martano will offer much more beyond the evening shows:
- Open Shops: Martano merchants and artisans will welcome you with their open workshops.
- Santi Medici Cultural Center: “Light in Magna Grecia,” a three-dimensional exhibition of works created with cyanotype.
- Palazzo Baronale Comi: Subtractive painting performance by Massimo Marangio.
- Borgoterra: A dive into Salento’s past, to rediscover the rhythms of yesteryear.
- Casa Palano: Artistic workshop “Playing with Coffee.”
- Palazzo Moschettini: “Diomes tu Numeru (Let’s Count),” a playful dive into the Griko language.
- Palazzo Grassi: “Frinire – Ballet On/Off,” a dance performance that will leave you breathless.
- Via Calimera: The Disordered Market, a craft market along the route.
- Garden of the Ducal Palace: “Four Elements – Wheat, Oil, Wine, Aloe,” gourmet cuisine by Chef Francesco Palladino.
Enogastronomy
During the three evenings, the delicacies of Salento cuisine will not be lacking. You will be able to savor traditional dishes and taste local wines:
- Pinno ce Fai: An enogastronomic journey between food and drink.
- To Fái Sto Palái: Traditional cuisine in historic palaces.
- To Crasí Stin Avlí: Local wine tasting (July 27 and 28).
- Traíno Sto Jardíno: Gourmet street food.
An Event for Everyone
“Cortili Aperti” is a free event open to everyone, designed to let you experience the unique atmosphere of Martano and Salento tradition. Don’t miss the chance to participate in this extraordinary event that attracts thousands of visitors every year. Get ready to immerse yourself in a journey through culture, history, art, and flavors that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Come and discover Martano and let yourself be enchanted by its open courtyards.