Festival · June 27, 2026 – September 26, 2026 · Quartu Sant'Elena (CA)
The 41st edition of the International Folklore Festival transforms Quartu Sant'Elena into a global hub of cultures. Folkloric groups from Argentina, Peru, Portugal, Friuli, and Sardinia gather for evenings dedicated to music, dance, and local traditions, with free admission to all events. It's an immersive experience into living cultural heritage, from historical research to concerts by popular orchestras.
Get ready for a vibrant cultural journey! The festival kicks off on JUNE 27 at 7:00 PM at Sa Domu e Farra with a thematic focus on 'Il patrimonio che vive,' featuring historical research on the tannara and musical interludes by Peppino Patteri and Romeo Dentoni. On JULY 10 at 9:00 PM, head to Piazza Mercato for the official presentation of the festival's international groups. JULY 11 is packed with events: at 7:00 PM, experience the Messa dei Popoli at Basilica di Sant'Elena (broadcast live on Radio Sant'Elena); at 8:00 PM, a ceremony for the fallen in Piazza Sant'Elena; at 8:15 PM, a lively parade and street entertainment through the city center (from Piazza Sant'Elena to Piazza Azuni); and at 9:15 PM, the OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE FESTIVAL at Piazza Mercato, featuring Tamburini Trombettieri, Gruppo Auras, Sotziu Tenors Murales Orgosola, and delegations from Argentina, Peru, Portugal, and Friuli. JULY 12 offers two exciting options at 9:15 PM: a review dedicated to Su Cantu a Curba (traditional Sardinian music) at Piazza Mercato, or an international folklore evening with groups from Argentina and Peru at Piazza del Nuraghe Sant'Anna Arresi. On JULY 13 at 9:30 PM, enjoy 'Sciampitta sotto le stelle' at Piazza Mercato, with performances by groups from Friuli, Portugal, Sardinia, Argentina, and Peru. JULY 14 brings 'Armonie del mondo,' an institutional concert with international groups at 11:00 AM at Ex Convento dei Cappuccini, followed by 'La danza dei popoli' at 9:00 PM at Sa Domu e Farra, showcasing folkloric traditions in dialogue with Quartu's culture. The festival concludes on JULY 15 at 9:00 PM at Piazza Mercato with the CLOSING OF THE FESTIVAL, broadcast live on VIDEOLINA, featuring performances by Gruppo Auras, Orchestra Popolare Sarda with Caterina Melis, Peppino Patteri, and international guests. Finally, on SEPTEMBER 26 at 7:00 PM at Sa Domu e Farra, there will be a book presentation for 'Sette fanciulle un corre e mille storie dentro la magia di San Giovanni a Quartu Sant'Elena' by Margherita Puddu, Gianni Orru, Aldo Cinus, and Mariano Stoffe. ✨ ADMISSION IS FREE FOR ALL EVENINGS ✨