NOTTE VERDE – PEACE, AGRI-CULTURES, UTOPIAS, COMMUNITY 29-31 AUGUST
In a time of vulnerability and division, this year we have made a politically motivated decision: starting this year, the word Peace is given priority in the language accompanying the 14th edition of the Notte Verde, appearing together with Agri-cultures, Utopias, and Community. Incorrectly, we have always considered peace an added value. We were wrong: Article 11 of the Italian constitution clearly states that, “Italy rejects war as an offensive instrument against the freedom of other peoples and as a means of resolving international controversies.” These words call on us to take responsibility in the creation of the process of “active peace,” one that requires daily practice and constant exercise in dialogue, social justice, care of the land, and ties of community.
Even the graphic design this year for Notte Verde communications, curated by Federica Ferri, attempts to express this concept: the large trees that stand above our small world are inspired by the colors of Palestine. Without equivocation, without neutrality: we proclaim the right of Palestine to exist. And we appeal to the well-meaning Jewish population of Israel and in the rest of the world that they may have the clarity and awareness that their own History requires of them in this moment.
Peace is the main protagonist of the event, together with a crucial theme: the rights of the Natural World, the urgency for a new paradigm that recognizes the Earth as a legal entity worthy of protection against industrial and economic speculation, especially in light of the catastrophic environmental consequences inflicted by current conflicts.
This 14th edition is dedicated to Alessandro Leogrande, the writer, journalist and Taranto native, who serves as an essential point of reference in the cultivation of new outlookz and a new ecology of narration.
The 2025 Edition of Notte Verde is curated by Casa delle Agriculture with contributions from the town of Andrano and the collaboration of the Parco Regionale Costa Otranto-S.M.di Leuca-Bosco di Tricase, GUS ‘Guido Puletti,’ the Girolomoni Foundation, the Alessandro Leogrande / Di Vagno-School for reportage narrative, COSPE non-profit, GAL Capo di Leuca, Salento Km0, Santi Paduli, Manu Manu Riforesta, Auser Ponte Andrano-Castiglione, Un Ponte Per, Rete italiana Pace e Disarmo. Media partner: Terra Nuova Edizioni and Mondoradio.
This edition of the Notte Verde is part of the following projects:
- Sempreverdi by Casa delle Agriculture Tullia e Gino ODV, supported by ‘Aress Puglia’ as part of public financing for active aging and health for seniors;
- GEA Global Green Generative Equal Educational Activities (AID 012618/03/8) financed by the Italian Agency for Cooperation in Development (AICS) and led by GUS.
A CELEBRATION THAT IS ECOLOGICAL, INCLUSIVE, FREE AND RESPECTFUL OF GENDER EQUALITY
Notte Verde is an ECOFESTA event designed for reduced environmental impact. We:
- Promote the use of public water using the Puglia Aqueduct water fountains;
- Reduce use of disposable paper to the bare minimum;
- Only use bio-degradable tableware;
- Acquire raw materials from local producers;
- Ask exhibitors to use low consumption light bulbs;
- Incentivize reforestation without relying on carbon credits, thanks to an agreement with ARIF (Regional Agency for Irrigation and Forestry Activity) and the Parco Otranto-Leuca;
- Promote responsible transportation: the use of bicycles, trains, buses and car pooling.
The celebration is inclusive and accessible. We pledge to:
- Arrange for the reduction of architectural barriers to mobility;
- Promote the 10 ‘Notte Verde for friends with autism’ rules
- Make available a sensory space for people with autism (Palazzo Ferramosca, via Italia);
- Guarantee an urban decompression space (via Pescara) for recovery of serenity dedicated to those overstimulated by lights, sounds or crowds;
- Take reservations for free parking (+39 348 564 9772) for people with disabilities, special needs, the elderly, new mothers and pregnant women;
- Assure availability of dedicated restrooms for people with physical disabilities (located at the former elementary school, Community Mill, and chemical bathroom areas);
- Prepare a nursery and changing room (located at the former elementary school);
- Coordinate all commercial operations with a ‘zero wait’ service (priority checkout and menus in braille);
- Provide gluten free, diabetes friendly, vegetarian, vegan and lactose free options in the ‘Presidi del cibo accessibile’ (Bulwarks of Accessible Food) located in Parco Renata Fonte.
The celebration is inspired by the ‘No women, no panel’ protocol (no discussions without women), to guarantee gender equity and the valuing of women’s unique competencies, experiences and talents.
The celebration is free of charge for guests. As a conscious decision, all events and workshops are free to access: the Notte Verde is designed to generate widespread awareness, not exclusive knowledge.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR VISITORS
Castiglione d’Otranto is a small village of about 1000 inhabitants. For this reason we ask all guests here to participate and enjoy the festival to show respect and kindness towards our residents, who are happy to welcome you.
Please note that there is no ATM/Bancomat/Postamat available in the village itself, and not all of the local businesses participating can accept electronic payments. Therefore, we strongly suggest that visitors make cash withdrawals before reaching Castiglione, in order to avoid any inconvenience.
We highly recommend arriving with plenty of extra time for events on the largest day of celebration, 31 August. Two large parking areas in the local artisan neighborhood are reachable for those arriving from the north and west via the SS 275. Alternatively, for those traveling from the south or east there is a lot along the provincial road from Depressa.
From the 29th until the 31st of August (operating until 1am), there will be shuttle services for those parking in the artisan zone lots. Parking reserved for those with small children or mobility issues can be reserved free of change by contacting +39 348 564 9772.
Info: +39 328 546 9804, +39 348 564 9772; ass.casadelleagriculture@gmail.com; Facebook: Casa delle Agriculture Tullia e Gino; Instagram: Casa delle Agriculture; www.casadelleagriculture.com
PUBLIC ART, EXHIBITIONS, INSTALLATIONS
- (E)venti parole del cibo / Events Words of Food with illustrations by Lorenzo Terranera and text by Fabio Ciconte, with support from the Department of Soil, Plant and Food Science (Di.S.S.P.A.) at the Aldo Moro University of Bari, the Apulian Regional government, and Terra! APS (location: courtyard of Palazzo Mellacqua, via Pisanelli)
- Vinculum, exhibition of works by artist Luigi Coppola (location: Cappella dell’Annunziata, Piazza della Libertà)
- Chemical Colonialism, photography exhibition by FADA Collective (location: Community Mill)
- Learning intentions/Learning in tensions. Curare (con) il rurale / Taking care (of) the rural landscape. Art installations by Free Home University based on ten years of cross-contamination with Casa delle Agriculture and the School of Emergency. Between art, pedagogy, and community, curated by Alessandra Pomarico and Nikolay Oleynikov (location: via Menotti)
- Essere storie / Being Stories, collection of visual narrations created by the winners of the SAI Lecce project (managed by GUS), the result of self-storytelling and regeneration curated by Francesca Russo (location: former elementary school);
- Breads of the World, demonstrative collective workshop on various types of bread from around the world in the form of memories, migration and stories (location: chapel of the S.M.Maddalena church)
- Lullaby for the Land of Palestine, exhibition based on the participatory workshop of the group ‘Im)permanente para diso’ (location: Giardino della Pace Attiva)
- Sentimental Cartography of Resistent Topophilia, artistic installation and photography exhibit curated by GUS (location: Giardino della Pace Attiva)
- Geografia agita di una lingua di frontiera, installation curated by GUS for a collective Atlas designed to deconstruct stereotypes and provide novel definitions (location: Giardino della Pace Attiva)
THE NOTTE VERDE FOR CHILDREN
A celebration within the celebration dedicated to children and families inside the former elementary school of Castiglione and the ‘Giardinetto Angelica Pirtoli’ in via Don Sturzo. The activities are open to all and free of charge, no reservation required.
29 August
- 5-7pm, Semi Sonanti / Musical Seeds, reading and recycling workshop for the production of musical instruments and bio-diverse symphonies, curated by the Casa delle Agriculture Community Agriludoteca
- 7-8pm, Un cuore a pedali / A Heart of Pedals, theatrical production by Nasca Teatri di Terra, by Ippolito Chiarello (duration 50’, for children 6+ and their families)
30 August
- 5-7pm, Saremo alberi / We’ll be Trees, nature workshop with reading, manual activities and exploration curated by Villa Paciugo
- 7-8pm, Drammaturgie sonore di quartiere / Unripe. Neighborhood Musical Dramas, curated by ZeroMeccanico Teatro (duration 10’, with narration in headphones. For children and adults of all ages.)
31 August
La terra che gioca / The Earth at Play
Located in the former elementary school, starting at 8:30pm, four ecological and creative workshops curated by Il dado gira social cooperative together with the Natural History Museum of Calimera
– Un gioco è bello quando dura molto / A Game is Fun when it Lasts a Long Time, space set up with old-fashioned games that inspire creativity and ingenuity;
– La notte verdure / The Vegetable Night, creative structures made of vegetables that encourage children to play patiently for an extended period;
– Scienziato sarò io! / I’ll be the Scientist, science becomes a game, with the help of real instruments children explore the world of insects;
– Giurin jurassic, paleontologist for a day using real paleontology instruments.
La Terra è di tuttə / The Land is for Everyone
In the Giardinetto “Angelica Pirtoli” (former elementary school), multimedia workshop of play and the drawing of public resources. Curated by FADA Collective (for children ages 6-10)
La mongolfiera del Piccolo Principe, pronti a volare? / The Little Prince’s Hot Air Balloon, Ready to Fly?
On the porch of the S. Michele Arcangelo church, this hot air balloon created with bamboo cane and jute cordage was conceived by Officina ing. Tarantino and the maestro Fabio Pedone
Il gioco è natura / The Game is Nature
Along the ‘Strada della terra che cura e che educa’ workshops, games, book and exploration curated by Villa Paciugo
Laboratorio di antichi mestieri / Laboratory of Yesteryear’s Professions
Along the ‘strada dell’ecoartigianato,’ a workshop to learn how to weave coolatai grass (Hyparrhenia hirta), black bog-rush (Schoenus nigricans), and spiny rush (Juncus acutus), curated by the Pro Loco Acquarica Lecce
RURAL PARLIAMENT
with the NARRATIVE REPORTAGE SCHOOL ‘ALESSANDRO LEOGRANDE’
Each evening from 5-7pm, via Pisanelli
Participatory restitution and public debate dedicated to the journalistic investigations of the Narrative Reportage School Alessandro Leogrande.
29 August Il bene terra / Earth as a Resource
Introduction by Francesco Romito, Director of the Narrative Reportage School Alessandro Leogrande.
Coordination by Chiara Idrusa Scrimieri, film director and spokesperson for ‘Salviamo gli ulivi del Salento’ (Let’s Save Salento’s Olive Trees)
With the participation of Maria Giannico, mother of Alessandro Leogrande.
Presenting their reporting:
- La terra tutt’intorno. Viaggio nelle campagne abbandonate dell’Arneo / The Land Around Us. Voyage in the Abandoned Countryside of the Arneo by Valeria Cagnazzo
- “Canapa nostra”: il reportage dalla filiera in Salento che resiste al Decreto Sicurezza / “Our Canapa” on local canapa producers in Salento pushing back against new federal regulations by Marianna Lentini
- Le mani delle fragole / Strawberry Hands by Antonella Pagano
30 August Il bene acqua / Water as a Resource
Introduction by Giuseppe Putignano, Narrative Reportage School Alessandro Leogrande.
Coordination by Ada Martella, journalist and activist representing ‘Manu Manu Riforesta.’
Presenting their reporting:
- Non ti temo: la città che il fiume non riconosce più / I’m Not Afraid of You: the City that the River Doesn’t Recognize Anymore by Francesca Arcai
- Se il mare è vuoto / If the Sea Is Empty by Chiara Conte
- L’ultimo sacrificio di Taranto. La crisi idrica pugliese e il dissalatore sul fiume / The Ultimate Sacrifice of Taranto. The Apulian Water Crisis and Desalination on the River by Chiara Romano and Federica Scannavacca
Use the QR code below to read abstracts of the individual reportage (in Italian):
Notte Verde Prelude – 29 August
5-7pm School of Agriculture
Locations are in the historic center of Castiglione d’Otranto; to save a spot in one of the free workshops please reserve via WhatsApp (preferably) at +39 329 406 6530.
– Fare il pane, al naturale / Making Bread, the Natural Way, with bread maker Andrea Cirolla (Emerging Bakers award winner 2024): theoretical/practical workshop on the making bread from mother yeast and whole, stone-milled traditional grains.
– Edible Memories with Palestinian activist Saja Amro and artist Anna Garcia Gomez: participants will sculpt ornamental date-filled cookies using traditional stamps and ingredients gathered from local producers.
– Tavole della Maddalena / Maddalena’s Tables: drying and conservation of local agro-biodiversity combined with a collection of traditional agricultural folk songs with Luca Giannoccolo, Luigi Coppola and Auser Ponte Andrano-Castiglione.
5-7pm Rural Parliament with the Narrative Reportage School Alessandro Leogrande (via Pisanelli, see section above for more information)
5-8pm The Notte Verde for Children (in the former elementary school, see section above for detailed program)
At dusk Oud Solo (performed under the fourth arch of Palazzo Bacile), concert by Massimiliano Almoraima
8pm Microrganismi effettivi (EM) in agricoltura / Effective Microorganisms in Agriculture
In the courtyard of Palazzo Mellacqua, presentation of the book (TerraNuova Edizioni, 2025) with the author Vanni Ficola, founder of the Italian School of EM Technology and Gianfranco Delfine, of the Italian Effective Microorganism Association – Clean without Chemicals.
On stage in Piazza della Libertà:
9pm BiodiverSO, l’urgenza di un nuovo paradigma / BiodiverSo, the Urgency of a New Paradigm
Lecture by Pietro Santamaria, professor of Horticulture at the Aldo Moro University of Bari, Department of Soil, Plant and Food Science
9:45pm La frontiera dell’impegno civile: omaggio ad Alessandro Leogrande / The Frontier of Civil Engagement: Homage to Alessandro Leogrande
with his mother Maria Giannico and Francesco Romito, Director of the Narrative Reportage School Alessandro Leogrande
10pm Colonialismo chimico: l’agrobusiness spezza i popoli / Chemical Colonialism: How Agrobusiness Destroys Communities
Marianna Lentini, sociologist, interviews the journalists Sara Manisera and Anna Toniolo of the FADA Collective
11pm Il cielo capovolto / The Overturned Sky, concert by Ninfa Giannuzzi (voice / violin), Emanuele Licci (voice / guitar), Ernesto Seclì (accordion)
Notte Verde Prelude – 30 August
5-7pm School of Agriculture
Locations are in the historic center of Castiglione d’Otranto; to save a spot in one of the free workshops please reserve via WhatsApp (preferably) at +39 329 406 6530.
– Fare il pane, al naturale / Making Bread, the Natural Way, with bread maker Andrea Cirolla (Emerging Bakers award winner 2024): theoretical/practical workshop on the making bread from mother yeast and whole, stone-milled traditional grains.
– Edible Memories with Palestinian activist Saja Amro and artist Anna Garcia Gomez: participants will sculpt ornamental date-filled cookies using traditional stamps and ingredients gathered from local producers.
– Tavole della Maddalena / Maddalena’s Tables: drying and conservation of local agro-biodiversity combined with a collection of traditional agricultural folk songs with Luca Giannoccolo, Luigi Coppola and Auser Ponte Andrano-Castiglione.
5-7pm Rural Parliament with the Narrative Reportage School Alessandro Leogrande (via Pisanelli, see section above for more information)
5-8pm The Notte Verde for Children (in the former elementary school, see section above for detailed program)
At dusk
h. 20 Come si fa una comunità energetica (per davvero!) / How to Create an Energy Community (really!)
In the courtyard of Palazzo Mellacqua, presentation of the book (Altreconomia, 2025) by one of the authors, Gianluca Ruggieri, President of ‘ènostra coop,’ and Pietro Lecce, Technical Manager for CER Gesuiti
On stage in Piazza della Libertà:
9pm Contro tutti i nazionalismi / Against All Forms of Nationalism
First official presentation of “La stagione che non c’era / The Season That Never Was” on the Yugoslavian experience with author Elvira Mujčić and Federica Ferri, from GUS Gruppo Umana Solidarietà ‘G.Puletti.’
10pm Dalla parte della Terra / Taking Earth’s Side
Eleonora Migno, Cospe Onlus, converses with Paolo Pileri, professor of Territorial and Environmental Planning at the Polytechnic University of Milan, and Laura Greco, President of the ‘A SUD Association’ and promoter of the ‘Giudizio Universale / Universal Justice’ campaign.
11pm Claudio Prima Zakor Quintet, concert with Claudio Prima (squeeze box / voice), Marco Ghezzo (violin), Marco Schiavone (cello), Emanuele Coluccia (sax), and Ovidio Venturoso (drums).
The Main Celebration – 31 August
On stage in Piazza della Libertà
8:15pm Welcome Back, Notte Verde! Opening of the celebrations with traditional band music and institutional greetings.
9:30pm Propaganda, manipolazione, distrazione: l’altra guerra e la libertà d’informazione / Propaganda, Manipulation, Distraction: The Other War and Freedom of Information
Lecture by Sigfrido Ranucci, journalist and host / author for the TV news program ‘Report’ (RAI3)
10:15pm Palestina, il diritto di esistere e l’umanità che muore / Palestine, the Right to Exist and Humanity That is Dying
Conversation between Luisa Morgantini, President of ‘Assopace Palestina,’ and Alfio Nicotra, from the board of ‘Associazione delle ONG Italiane’ and the Italian ‘National Network for Peace and Disarmament.’
11pm Non ci troverete mai / You’ll Never Find Us, concert by Mercanti di liquore
The group is made up of Lorenzo Monguzzi (voice / guitar), Andrea Verga (guitar / banjo / mandolin), Elio Biffi (keyboard / accordian), Nadir Giori (bass), Lorenzo Bonfanti (drums), presenting their new album of original music as a “declaration of belonging to a world and cultures that are proudly marginalized and peripheral.”
From their debut 30 years ago, Mercanti di liquore have openly declared the debt they owe to the late, great Fabrizio De André and his years of collaboration with Marco Paolini in the theater and in the studio.
Musical Performances Along the Streets of Castiglione
Terra d’Otranto Traditional Band (Strada dei cereali)
Decadent dream in 4tet (Strada dell’Agricoltura naturale): Frank Bramato (voice), Luigi Botrugno (piano), Giorgia Causo (cello), Naida Ingrosso (violin)
David Ford (Strada Partigiana): beloved British singer and songwriter
Innesti (Strada della Vita) with Giovanni Bisanti (voice / percussion), Gaelle Giandico (voice), Giole Nuzzo (percussion / didgeridoo / electronic), Alessandro Ferrari (string instruments)
Anouar di Almoraima (Giardino della Pace Attiva) with Massi Almoraima (oud), Francesco Negro (piano), Matteo Maria Maglio (stand up bass), Mariam Amer (voice)
Celestino Hi fi, Ghetto Child and contadini (Parco Renata Fonte): DJ set ranging from reggae to ska and dancehall, performing with local farmers reciting poetry and sharing inspirational ideas for improving local agriculture.
Journey for Solo Guitar (Strada delle erbe) by Giacomo Contaldo.
Vento d’incanto (near the installation Learning intentions/Learning in tensions. Curare (con) il rurale) with Adriana Polo (voice) and Roberto Gagliardi (sax).
Artistica Inclusione (La Strada della Terra che cura ed educa), Ensemble from the “W.A.Mozart” School of Music created to eliminate any possible barrier to participation, guided by the maestros Antonio Mastria and Antonio Grassi.
Luciano Fuso (La Strada della Terra che cura ed educa), talented player of the harp with a repertoire that stretches from Baroque to Contemporary music.
Oud Solo (fourth arch of Palazzo Bacile, at dusk), concert by Massimiliano Almoraima and his Middle-Eastern lute.
The Geography of the Notte Verde
The Children’s Notte Verde (see dedicated section for program, location: former elementary school)
Strada dei cereali / Cereal Lane: visits to the Community Mill, exhibition of ancient grain varieties, Breads of the World workshop, live bread-making and a workshop on homemade pasta curated by ‘A Mattra China APS.’
Strada dell’agricoltura naturale / Natural Agriculture Way: with small, low-impact agricultural producers with the high intrinsic value.
- Amadeco: installation dedicated to the local synthropic agricultural project of the same name.
Strada della biodiversità / Biodiversity Street: pomological exhibition (showcasing biodiversity) curated by the Parco Costa Otranto-Leuca-Bosco di Tricase (the regional park that stretches from Otranto to Leuca), the BiodiverSO project, seed swap, and local nurseries with native forest and forgotten fruit species.
- 10pm, Courtyard of Palazzo Mellacqua: Projection of the short film “We are the Forest Enclosed by the Wall” by Oliver Ressler (35’, 2025). Followed by Racconto della battaglia in difesa dell’ultimo bosco dell’Arneo / The Story of the Battle to Defend the Arneo Woods with Alessandra Pomarico and the ‘Custodi del Bosco d’Arneo.’
Via partigiana / Partisan Way: associations, collectives and movements dedicated to climate and social justice.
- Santi Paduli: interactive installation about the community pact that focuses on local agriculture, healthy food and public cafeterias. Curated by Santa Fucina coop.soc.
Giardino della pace attiva / Garden of Active Peace: In the garden of Palazzo Mellacqua, which opens to the public for the first time, with exhibitions, performances, disclosure, art installations, peace rituals and the celebrations of the coexistence of peoples.
La terra che cura e che educa / The Land that Heals and Educates: agricultural, food farming and artisan projects for social inclusion and pedagogical experiences with nature.
- Sensorial-Mente, sensorial area and itinerary by AUTopia – Utopie per l’Autismo (Utopias for Autism)
- Global Education Agorà, workshops and educational games (children 10 years and up) curated by Associazione Officine Cittadine: Laboratorio di espressione popolare including games like Cosa siete disposti a fare per combattere i cambiamenti climatici? (What are you willing to do to combat climate change?) / Jenga grande, la Torre della fast fashion (Giant Jenga: the Tower of Fast Fashion) / Affresco del clima (Climate Fresco)
Strada della vita / Road of Life: beekeepers together with educational and inclusive apiaries. Exhibition of melliferous plants.
La via delle erbe / Herbal Lane: the world of wild, medicinal and dying plants.
Il ponte generazionale / Generation Bridge: the ‘Sempreverdi / Evergreen’ project with Auser Ponte Andrano-Castiglione (a coalition of senior community members).
Strada dell’ecoartigianato / Eco Artisan Boulevard: with both traditional and innovative artisans.
Di terra e di carta / Of Land and of Paper: a courtyard of books with publishers, booksellers, and independent authors.
I presidi del cibo accessibile / Bulwarks of Accessible Food: ethical organizations propose gluten free, lactose free, diabetes-friendly, vegan, vegetarian and raw food dishes.
I luoghi delle interazioni culinarie / Places of Culinary Interaction: local food operators of Castiglione propose dishes with local raw materials: Trattoria Vardaceli, Chiosco Bar Sole-Luna, Punto Market Gam, Il Bottegone, Pizzeria Italia, Supermercati Ingletto.
Cucina collettiva / Collective Kitchen by Casa delle Agriculture coop. Agricola.: long convivial tables with a farm-to-table food menu, for omnivores and vegetarians, that features ingredients from natural and sustainable local farmers.
