San Demetrio Corone hosts 44th Arbëresh Song Festival

The 44th edition of the Festival della Canzone Arbëreshe opened in San Demetrio Corone, Calabria, on 6 August and ran through 8 August. Organized by the municipal administration with the patronage of the Calabria Regional Council, the town mayor Ernesto Madeo and the Historic Festival Committee, the event aims to promote, protect and valorise the Arbëresh language and culture.

The programme featured a colourful parade of folk groups (the Vallje) on 6 August, concerts by singer‑songwriter Fabio Curto and the SkaPizza band, and a talk on 7 August with regional linguistic assessor Gianluca Gallo, Mayor Madeo and other cultural figures. On 8 August the final competition showcased new songs in Arbëresh, judged by a popular jury chaired by Professor Gennaro De Cicco and a technical jury awarding criticism prizes. The three winners receive cash awards of €3,000, €2,000 and €1,000. The festival was presented by Lello Pagliaro, Marta Longo and Emiliana Oriolo and supported by Rai Calabria and the local community.