When literature meets the sea, something extraordinary happens. In Casalabate, a charming coastal hamlet near Lecce, the Circolo Velico Maestrale becomes a stage for words and ideas during the tenth edition of Leggere per vivere. Dialoghi d'autore. Journalist and author Cosimo Marulli presents Lascia morire il giorno, his latest work, in a setting where the Adriatic breeze mingles with the rustle of turning pages.
Where the Adriatic Whispers Stories
The Circolo Velico Maestrale isn't just any venue—it's a sailors' gathering place where masts sway against the evening sky and the scent of salt lingers in the air. Located along Casalabate's low, sandy coastline, this sailing club offers a front-row seat to one of the region's most serene stretches of coast. The intimate atmosphere transforms a book presentation into something far more memorable than a standard reading.
As the sun dips toward the horizon, the sound of rigging chimes softly in the wind. It's the perfect acoustic backdrop for a dialogue between Marulli and journalist Giovanni Delle Donne, exploring the themes of memory, place, and the passage of time that thread through the novel.
An Evening of Voices and Ideas
This isn't a one-voice affair. The presentation brings together a constellation of local figures—Trepuzzi's Mayor Giuseppe Taurino, City Councillor Giacomo Fronzi, and the club's President Dionigi Martucci—each contributing their perspective on how literature intersects with community life. The format is conversational, inviting questions and reflections from attendees who often return year after year to this beloved festival.
The tenth edition of Leggere per vivere has cemented its reputation as a space where Pugliese readers and curious travelers alike can experience thoughtful, unhurried exchanges about the stories that shape us. Free and open to all, these evenings attract a mix of locals, summer visitors, and anyone drawn to the idea of spending a few hours immersed in language and landscape.
What Makes This Evening Special
- Waterfront setting where the rhythm of waves becomes part of the evening's soundtrack
- Intimate scale—the venue's modest size fosters genuine connection between author and audience
- Multi-voice dialogue that goes beyond a standard reading to explore the book's themes from different angles
- Part of a celebrated literary series now in its tenth year, beloved by the local community
- Evening timing that captures Casalabate's coastline at its most magical hour
Beyond the Book: Exploring Casalabate and Trepuzzi
Casalabate sits between two worlds: the university town of Lecce, just fifteen minutes inland, and the long, low beaches of the Adriatic. After the presentation, wander the quiet seafront, where lidi give way to public stretches of sand and shallow, family-friendly water. The area is perfect for those who prefer a calmer, less commercialized coast than what you'll find farther south.
If you're coming from Trepuzzi—the municipality that organizes the festival—take time to explore its baroque churches and pedestrian lanes, especially the historic center around Piazza Padre Pio. The town's roots run deep in Pugliese agricultural tradition, and its cultural programming, like this literary series, reflects a commitment to preserving thoughtful, community-centered experiences.