A long calendar of events, music, theatre, exhibitions, meetings with authors and traditions that will accompany citizens, visitors and tourists until the end of the year. But also the valorization of the cultural heritage owned by the municipality, citizens and the extra-urban territory. This is the tourist offer presented by the Municipality of Monopoli and the Tourism and Culture Departments on Sunday 4 February 2024 in the Regione Puglia exhibition space (Area Leisure Italy Pavilion 3) at the Bit (International Tourism Exchange) in Milan.
The Municipality of Monopoli was represented by the Mayor of Monopoli Angelo Annese, the Municipal Councillor for Tourism Francesco Alba, the Councillor for Culture Rosanna Perricci and the Director of General Affairs-Economic Development Pietro D’Amico.
Alongside appointments that have long characterised the city’s tourist-cultural offerings such as the Concert Season of the ‘Amici della Musica’, Sudestival, the Festival Ritratti or the City of Monopoli ‘Il Gozzo’ Prize, there are those that recall ancient traditions such as the Night of Bonfires, on the occasion of St. Joseph’s Day on 19 March, or Gozzovigliando. And, then appointments that have gained prominence over the years: the widespread exhibition PhEST, the review with authors at the port of Prospero Fest, the festival dedicated to children Maggio all’Infanzia, the three-day ukulele festival Monopolele, the evocative musical journey of Porto Rubino and the review dedicated to women Vox-Fem Italy.
During the year, interventions to enhance the municipal heritage will be strengthened through the creation of exhibitions in the air-raid shelters of Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, the Carlo V Castle and the former fuel depot. Furthermore, for the entire summer period the opening hours of the immense ecclesiastical heritage of Monopoli will be extended with the possibility of visiting the churches of the historic centre throughout the day. Particular attention will be paid to the Rock Church of Spirito Santo (church of the Holy Spirit), acquired years ago to the municipal heritage, a real hypogeum church dating back to the 10th century and to the masserias present in the vast suburban area.
In reference to the Rupestrian Church of the Holy Spirit, the Municipality of Monopoli has in order to broaden the flow of information from the cultural heritage initiates the use of virtual reality in cultural heritage which allows visitors to visit its history by mixing physical and digital spaces.
Also for 2024 Monopoli has applied for the Blue Flag, the FEE award given to seaside resorts that comply with criteria for sustainable land management, and for the Lilac Flag, which is awarded to those municipalities that have worked to make much of what can be made accessible and constantly improve their tourist accessibility.
WATCH THE TRAILER OF 2024 SEASON
AMICI DELLA MUSICA – The music festival organized by the “Amici della Musica” Association, now in its 34th edition, is already underway. Upcoming appointments with Roberto Gatto Quintet Quintet (14 February Teatro Radar), The Merry Widow directed by Fabio Trevisan (24 February Teatro Radar, Serena Spedicato Quartet in “Io che amo solo te” Le Voci di Genova (6 March Teatro Radar ), Anna Tifu Tango Quartet (20 March Teatro Radar), Quartetto di Venezia (4 April Teatro Mariella) and the Young Concert Artists review curated by those recommended by the “Nino Rota” Conservatory of Music of Monopoli (16 and 19 April Teatro Mariella).
SUDESTIVAL – From 26 January to 15 March 2024 the Sudestival returns, the festival of the City of Monopoli, a project of the Sguardi Cultural Association founded and directed by Michele Suma. The festival is an expression of the Apulia Cinefestival Network, belongs to AFIC and is a component of the Adriatic Festival Network. Now in its 24th edition, the Sudestival is the point of reference for quality Italian cinema in Puglia, a large screen for first works of Italian cinema, the recent production of DOC and Italian short films, in the splendid setting of the city of Monopoli. The theme of the unexpected, of chance, of the instability of life will be the leitmotif of this year’s edition. As always, the focus will be on the feature film competition, with two national premieres, which will be flanked by the documentary competition – curated by Maurizio Di Rienzo -, the section Gli Imprescindibili, the Masterclasses, Corta è la notte – a selection of short films curated by La Rete dei festival dell’Adriatico – and cinema for children with the Kids section – curated by Marino Guarnieri. The rich programme will be closed by the Homage to Carlo Delle Piane and the Homage to Walter Chiari on the centenary of his birth.
LA NOTTE DEI FALO’ (BONFIRE NIGHT) – A consolidated tradition on the occasion of the Feast of St Joseph which falls on 19 March, is an event that unites the whole of Apulia with the lighting of numerous devotional bonfires, a reminder of ancient customs and traditions relived today by communities in an atmosphere of festivity and joy. And together with the bonfires, musical and cultural events enliven the historic city centre.
VOX-FEM ITALY – Entitled “On the Trail of the Voice of Women”, it is a series of events organized in four meetings dedicated to the voice of women in the Mediterranean. The characteristic of the concerts is to offer original musical repertoires sung in various languages of the Mediterranean basin, with the use of traditional musical instruments. Each meeting will be preceded by a brief presentation of the geographical area of origin of the artist and the repertoire performed. The 2023 edition is scheduled from 12 to 14 April 2024.
IN MY NAME ABOVE THE SHOW – From 19 July to 3 November 2024, Monopoli will host the Apulian stage of the great urban art exhibition-event “In My Name Above the Show”, organised by Unlike Unconventional Events in collaboration with the Municipality of Monopoli and curated by Martina Cavallarin with Antonio Caruso, with the artistic direction of MADE514, the cultural and scientific coordination of Christian Leo Comis and the patronage of the University of Padua, the Department of Cultural Heritage: Archaeology, History of Art, Cinema and Music. For over three months, the works of 17 of the most influential artists of international renown who have marked the development of urban art in Europe will invade the fascinating industrial archaeological spaces of the Ex Fuel Depot, celebrating the history and evolution of one of the most hyper-dynamic currents of Contemporary Art: from Boost to Cento Canesio, Dado, Etnik, Giorgio Bartocci, from Hemo to Joys, Macs, Made514, Peeta, Proembrion, up to Satone, Soda, V3rbo, Vesod, Won Abc, Zed1.
AIR-RAID SHELTERS – The air-raid shelters in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele will be periodically open for guided tours and throughout the year will host works of art that will be added to the permanent exhibition on the history of the shelters.
PROSPERO FEST – In June 2024, Prospero Fest, the 7th edition of the festival dedicated to meetings with authors, theatrical performances and workshops in the Rendella Library.
MONOPOLELE – The Mediterranean Ukulele Fest (3rd edition) is scheduled from 30 May to 2 June 2024 in the city’s historic centre. Prestigious names from the European scene (authentic virtuosos, recognised and appreciated by the international community) will give life to concerts and ‘workshops’ in the historical centre of Monopoli. Finally, themed workshops for adults and young people will enable enthusiasts to learn new techniques directly from the musicians invited to play in the evening.
MAGGIO ALL’INFANZIA – The 28th edition of the Maggio all’infanzia Festival, dedicated to new productions of Children’s Theatre, will be held from 13 to 19 May in Bari, Monopoli and Molfetta. A rich programme that includes shows with national and regional debuts designed for children, girls and boys.
FESTIVAL RITRATTI – Music that builds bridges, invites reflection and opens windows to the world with the inquisitive gaze of a curious explorer and the refined style of those who elaborate cultural relations beyond any barrier, also through new and far-reaching projects. Characteristic features of the Festival Ritratti di Monopoli directed for the Euterpe Music Association by Massimo Felici and Antonia Valente, who in the sign of kindness and beauty articulate the 20th edition along the boundaries of very different sound experiences. Events throughout the summer.
LAMATEATRO FESTIVAL – Theatre surrounded by nature. This is what happens at Lama Belvedere where after the extraordinary success of previous years, the appointment with the “Lama Theatre Festival” organised by the “Allegra Brigata” Theatre Association returns in the middle of summer.
PORTO RUBINO – In mid-July, the old port of the city hosts the sixth edition of “Porto Rubino”, the famous festival of the seas, an evocative journey of the Apulian singer-songwriter Renzo Rubino along the coasts of Puglia. An exceptional cast and just as many super surprise guests, for the great musical event that celebrates the sea to be protected, an inspiration for artists, a unique meeting place and enrichment.
PREMIO “IL GOZZO” CITTA’ DI MONOPOLI – Organised by Canale 7, an evening to discover, learn about and appreciate Puglia’s excellence. It has been happening every summer for 19 years in Monopoli with the ‘Il Gozzo’ Prize, the event that rewards talents and professionalism that allow the region to distinguish itself in different fields. Six awards are presented, six stories within an evening of great entertainment enriched by moments of music and entertainment. Appointment on Friday 12 July 2024.
THE BIG CONCERTS – A number of concerts are planned during the summer. The musical event of the summer will be the unmissable show of Il Volo starring three young singers, loved all over the world and who will perform their greatest hits and unreleased performances. Appointment on 24 August at Cala Batteria. The different vocal nuances of the trio composed by Piero Barone, Gianluca Ginoble, and Ignazio Boschetto, three unmistakable voices, united by 15 years of long friendship and music together. Next April, Il Volo will be on tour in China and Japan, but first of all they are expected on the Ariston stage for their third participation in the Sanremo Festival competition, after winning it in 2015 with ‘Grande amore’ and taking third place in 2019 with ‘Musica che resta’.
ALBA DI NOTE – The sunrise swim that Monopoli residents traditionally indulge in on the first day of September as a good omen for the coming autumn and winter is renewed in Monopoli. Also this year in Monopoli there will be the “Alba di Note – A dive into tradition” event (fourth edition). An auspicious dip of hope and health for the months to come, born as a spontaneous initiative some time ago and now customary for a growing number of citizens and visitors. A tradition that for some years now has been enriched by a valuable musical experience and has become one of the appointments in the calendar of annual events promoted by the Municipality of Monopoli.
PATRONAL FESTIVAL – From 13 to 16 August 2024 the appointment with the patronal feast in honor of the Madonna della Madia is renewed. Appointment on August 14th with the traditional arrival of the icon in Cala Batteria and the fireworks display. On August 16th the celebrations will conclude with a musical concert with a prestigious guest.
PhEST – As per tradition from late summer and for two months there is the International Festival of Photography and Art. A journey through space and time among the many transformations of the world through the works of the great masters of photography, visual arts and young talents on display with their works.
GOZZOVIGLIANDO – Every Sunday in October, this event celebrates the gozzo, the typical wooden boat used by local fishermen, as a symbol of coastal tradition. Markets selling handicrafts and typical gastronomic products, recreational and educational workshops for children, guided tours of the historic centre, art exhibitions, themed performances and musical entertainment with traditional folk songs and dances. Last but not least, the free gozzo excursions and the seventh edition of the Palio dei gozzi, an exhibition on board the historic boats of the local navy with the involvement of flag-wavers.
PROSPERO YOUNG – The third edition of “Prospero Young” (the seventh edition of the autumn version of “Prospero Fest”) celebrating the anniversary of the rebirth of the Rendella Library (2017): from 10 to 12 November, there will be events featuring young volunteers in dialogue with the authors.
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR – From the beginning of December the appointment with Christmas events returns: illuminations, a large Christmas tree, Santa’s house and markets. And to celebrate the arrival of 2025, the traditional square party that attracts thousands of people every year.