In the heart of Cursi, a town celebrated across Puglia for its master stonemasons and vibrant cultural life, Piazza Pio XII transforms into a stage of pure childhood wonder. Serate InCantate invites young voices to shine under the summer stars, weaving together melody, applause, and the irresistible charm of small-town Italian hospitality. The event is hosted by Elio Costante, with special guest Tony Frassanito and the playful illusions of Mago Eros, creating an evening that feels equal parts talent show and neighborhood celebration.
When Young Talent Meets Piazza Magic
The square fills early with families, grandparents, and neighbors who've known each other for generations. Children clutch their song sheets with nervous excitement while parents huddle near the stage, phones ready. The atmosphere is wonderfully unpretentious—no velvet ropes, no ticket gates, just open-air seating on historic cobblestones and the scent of gelato drifting from the corner bar.
Elio Costante's easy rapport with the kids puts even the shyest performers at ease, and when Mago Eros steps in with his tricks between acts, laughter ripples through the crowd. It's not Broadway, and that's precisely the point—this is music-making rooted in joy, not competition.
The Soundtrack of a Summer Evening
The song choices range widely: classic Italian ballads, recent pop hits, and the occasional Disney favorite. What binds them together is the raw, unfiltered emotion of children singing their hearts out in front of their entire town. Some voices wobble; others astonish. The applause is always generous.
- Watch for the moments between songs—Mago Eros's sleight-of-hand keeps the energy high and the younger siblings entertained
- Bring a light jacket; even in summer, the evening breeze off the Adriatic can be cool once the sun sets
- Arrive by 8:30 PM to claim a seat near the stage, though standing room offers a perfectly good view
- Stop by the nearby Bar Centrale before the show for a quick caffè and a slice of pasticciotto
- Check the event's social media for the exact date each summer—it's usually announced a few weeks in advance
Beyond the Stage: Exploring Cursi's Creative Soul
Cursi isn't just a backdrop; it's a character in the evening. This small town is famous throughout the region for its maestri scalpellini—master stonemasons whose hands have shaped fountains, facades, and sculptures across southern Italy. Stroll the streets before showtime and you'll spot carved stone details on every corner, silent testament to centuries of craftsmanship.
If you have time the next day, the nearby town of Melendugno offers coastal escapes like Torre dell'Orso, while the baroque splendor of Lecce is just a twenty-minute drive west. But on this particular evening, the real treasure is right here: a piazza alive with voices, a community gathered, and the simple pleasure of children singing under the stars.