Accordionists will entertain at the 2025 Taranta Festival, which features four days of Mediterranean music, art, dance, food & connection and over 20 acts including artists from all over Australia.
The festival takes its name from an ancient Southern Italian legend. The tarantula spider was considered mythical, and people believed its bite could only be cured through a powerful ritual of dance, music, colour, scent, and community gathering.
The festival began on October 30th and will run through to November 2nd, 2025.
Performers are:
Santa Taranta: southern Italian folk ensemble, known for their wild pizzica dances, soulful songs, and festive energy.
Performance date: November 2nd at Italian Festa & Grand Finale in the Bellingen Memorial Hall in Bellingen, New South Wales.
Salvatore Rossano: musician and ethnomusicologist will present his original project “Ancestral Voices”, funded by Arts Mid North Coast thanks to the NSW CASP Grants. Salvatore will reflect on the theme of Ancestry together with extraordinary musicians coming from seven different cultural backgrounds, creating an original song and performance that will be premiered at the festival to honour ancient music traditions, faraway lands, and our elders.
Performance date: November 2nd at the Bellingen Memorial Hall Studio in Bellingen, New South Wales.
Scupriri: Hailing from Sydney, Scupriri bring the vibrant rhythms and heartfelt songs of Southern Italy to the stage, music that celebrates tradition, migration, and joy through community. Their performances are full of warmth and energy, inviting everyone to dance and sing along.
Performance dates: November 1st from 12pm at the Bellingen Brewery
November 2nd at the Italian Festa & Grand Finale, Bellingen Memorial Hall
Zumpa: they bring the joyous rhythms and stories of Southern Italy to life, music made for dancing, laughter, and connection. Their high-energy performances fuse traditional folk with the spirit of community that defines the Taranta tradition.
Performance dates: October 31st at the Día de los Muertos Celebration, Bellingen Memorial Hall. Dress-up encouraged!
November 2nd at the Italian Festa & Grand Finale, Bellingen Memorial Hall
For further information email: tarantafestival@gmail.com
