You don't have to travel all the way to Hawaii, which is the birthplace of the ukulele. But we should say it would be, because in reality it was Europeans who brought the small guitar, which has recently returned into great vogue thanks also to the help of TikTok, down there, to some Europeans, perhaps Portuguese sailors who almost 200 years ago brought on board to cheer up the long journey the cavaquinho, an instrument originally from the island of Madeira. Whatever happened, the ukulele, whether it's because of the cute name that immediately makes people happy, or because of the (relative) ease for those who want to learn at least how to strum, is more popular than ever.
So, whether you play it or not, whether you want to learn or simply look for an excuse for a weekend in the wonderful Monopoli (Bari), which from 30 May to 2 June will transform into Monopolele. The largest ukulele festival, with the subtitle of Ukulele Mediterranean Fest,
was created by Voltare Pagina ETS, a non-profit organization (and supported by the Municipality and PugliaSounds) is a four days of music with concerts, live performances, jam sessions, workshops and street parades, all free entrywhich will involve Italian and international artists, citizens of Monopoli and visitors to animate the most beautiful places in the city.
Among the events not to be missed, the concert of Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxervo duel Emmy award-winning ladies of American folk (they also play guitar, banjo, mandolin and other fascinating instruments, on June 1st, Piazza Palmieri) and Trio Mandili, a Georgian group made up of three girls, who became famous thanks to a video with seven million views, who perform polyphonic songs accompanied by the panduri, a traditional Georgian string instrument (2 June in Piazza Palmieri). Virtuosos, amateurs, professionals or just curious people will find themselves in the Ukulele Parade and also at theUkulele Beach Party, on the beach and with many different musicians (30 May, Porto Rosso). If that's not enough, wait until Honolulu Symphony: it is an orchestra with eleven ukuleles capable of transporting those who listen to it into three different eras (31 May, Piazza Palmieri). And then we dance, of course: simple, amateur-proof dances (the Bib Bafolk project, 2 June, St. Peter's Church).
«There will be international musicians of extraordinary technical skill, the expression of at least ten different musical cultures», says Salvo McGraffio, who organizes the festival with Mauro Minenna. «In the name of inclusiveness, a peculiarity of this festival, this year we have opened up to other chordophone instruments such as the African Guembri, the Tahitian Ukulele and the Georgian Panduri and this fills us with pride”.
And since we are here, after the music and concerts, the season is perfect for exploring Monopoli and its white alleys, or the countryside and beaches. To conquer the less crowded ones, the organizers have provided us with some valuable insider tips: look for the less easy to reach coves (always a good idea) for example the Porto cove, where you arrive by skirting Porto Rosso and continuing on foot on the right, arriving at a small strip of beach surrounded by rocks. Then, following a path through the vegetation, you arrive at Green Port, a beach of sand and rocks where the crystal clear sea puts on a show.
Even the eating tips are ultra local, such as a simple and authentic lunch at the Il Brigante restaurant (via Cavaliere 17) to taste the typical dishes of Monopoli. For raw seafood, take a look at the San Giovanni tavern (vico Verzella, 2), which recently opened. To the Charles the Fifth, on the wall overlooking the sea: they will have a signature cocktail dedicated to the Festival, to perhaps meet the passing artists. For Apulian street food the advice is Madia (via Orazio Comes 19), where classic or revisited panzerotti are all the rage. Local products also at the Titti delicatessen (in via Santa Teresa 20) while for the ice cream the places to be I'm the historian coffee Rome (Largo Vescovado 1) e Beautiful Bluein Piazza Garibaldi.
Ideas for sleeping? The B&B A C-Caste is a stone's throw from the beach, and breakfast is on the terrace, overlooking the sea. The hotel is more secluded and right on the sea The fishpond it is fascinating and immersed in blue. Relaxation alternative: Masseria il Melograno, complete with spa and wellness. If instead you are attracted by widespread hotels, the one in Monopoli has apartments scattered around the historic center (At Chiasso 12 check in via Chiasso Carmelano). The program of Monopolele and useful information: monopolele.com.
But don't forget the ukulele!
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Source: Vanity Fair
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