X Festival del Sedicidagosto: the rebellious soul of the Maremma

X Festival del Sedicidagosto: The rebellious soul of the Maremma

Dear explorers of authentic Tuscany, today I am taking you far off the beaten path, to the heart of the wildest and most vibrant Maremma. Forget the crowds of Florence or Siena, we are heading to Roccatederighi, a small hamlet of Roccastrada, in the province of Grosseto. It is there that an event I am particularly fond of takes place: the Festival del Sedicidagosto. For its tenth edition, this unique celebration promises a total immersion in popular culture, memory, and the spirit of resistance.

When I first discovered this festival, I was immediately charmed by its authenticity. It is not a sagra like any other. The Sedicidagosto is a experience, an entire week of encounters, reflections, and music that resonate far beyond the Tuscan hills. It is a «vacanza intelligente e consapevole», a place where one can slow down, listen, and engage.

A story of memory and resistance

The very name of the festival, «Sedicidagosto» (August 16), is no accident. It pays tribute to Sante Geronimo Caserio, a young Italian anarchist guillotined in Lyon on August 16, 1894, for the assassination of French President Sadi Carnot. His story, though distant, has remained alive in libertarian memory, notably through popular songs. The festival was born from the desire to keep this memory alive, not as a mere commemoration, but as a common thread to explore the themes of freedom, resistance, and solidarity.

What strikes you here is the human dimension. Giampiero Mortaro, one of the organizers, and Flavia took over the reins of the festival after its sixth edition, allowing it to grow and thrive. Their passion and that of many collaborators, such as the Istituto Ernesto de Martino, are the beating heart of this event. To discover other events that bring the region to life, feel free to check out our calendar of markets and events in the Maremma.

The program of the tenth edition (August 16-22, 2026)

The X Festival del Sedicidagosto will take place from August 16 to 22, 2026 at the Campo Sportivo S. Martino in Roccatederighi. Expect a rich and eclectic week, far from tourist clichés:

• Popular music and songs of revolt: Music is the soul of the festival. Artists such as Alessio Lega, Banda Putiferio, Folkalbegna, Egin, Ribellicanti, and the Nuovo canzoniere elettronico will liven up the evenings. You may even attend musical performances by Duccio Ghelardoni and Iodiotrio.
• Debates and meetings: The festival is a true forum of ideas. Discussions will be organized on various topics, such as the 90th anniversary of the Spanish Revolution or the reintroduction of compulsory conscription. Independent publishers like Stampa Alternativa and Strade Bianche will be present, as well as representatives of FAI and Umanità Nova.
• Books and independent publishing: A space will be dedicated to books, CDs and a self-production market. It is a unique opportunity to discover voices and creations far from commercial circuits.
• African dance and percussion: For a touch of exoticism and rhythm, African dance and percussion workshops (Djembé Sabar) are offered. You can learn with Mass Ndiaye for percussion and Flaminia accompanied by Mass and Tidiane for dance. These workshops are paid and require prior registration (contact +39 346-573-59-07 for percussion).
• Activities for children: A choral singing workshop is planned for children and young people, proving that the festival's spirit is intergenerational.

Practical information for an unforgettable experience in Roccatederighi

The Festival del Sedicidagosto stands out for its friendly and accessible approach:

• Free entry: Access to the festival is free, with an «offerta libera e consapevole» (free and conscious offering). It is a principle I admire, highlighting the spirit of sharing and community.
• Dining: You can enjoy a food stand on site. Lunches are available by reservation and dinners are served «sotto i Castagni» (under the chestnut trees), creating a magical and authentic atmosphere. For other authentic culinary experiences, discover where to eat and drink in Maremma.
• Accommodation: For total immersion, the festival offers the possibility of camping under the chestnut trees. Imagine, after a day full of emotions, falling asleep under a starry Maremma sky, lulled by the last echoes of the songs. A large parking lot is also available. If you prefer more comfortable accommodation, explore our top 6 agriturismo in Maremma.
• Access: Roccatederighi is a small locality of Roccastrada, in the province of Grosseto. I recommend arriving by car for more flexibility. Maremma is a region to explore, and this festival is an excellent gateway to discover its wildest and most authentic side. To get there, check out our guide how to get to the Maremma.
• Contacts: For any information, you can contact Giampiero at +39 334 9522075 or Jonny via WhatsApp at +39 346 6824736.

The Festival del Sedicidagosto is organized by a collective of associations and groups, including La Fiaccola dell'Anarchia, Umanità Nova, Cassa Anti-repressione Bruno Filippi, and the Istituto Ernesto de Martino, among others. This diversity of actors reflects the collaborative and committed spirit of the event.

If you are looking for a Tuscan experience that goes beyond postcards, if you love music that has meaning, stimulating debates and authentic human encounters, then the Festival del Sedicidagosto is for you. It is a «utopia» that comes to life every year, proof that we can still dream and build together a different world, if only for a week. Come and let yourself be surprised by the energy of Roccatederighi!