International festival of music, theatre, dance, shows and meetings

San Leucio festival is an important international festival of music, theatre, opera and dance set in the wonderful area of the Belvedere of San Leucio, in the summer evenings between June 25 and July 25/27. This festival was conceived by master Nunzio Areni. The protagonist of the celebrations is Giovanni Paisiello, a famous musician, since San Leucio’s artistic and musical life is indissolubly tied to him. This artist had a close relationship with Naples’ cultural humus and with King Ferdinand IV Bourbon.
The festival was opened on June 25 1999 by the work “Nina o sia La pazza per amore” (Nina, or the fool for love), chosen not by chance. This work was composed by Paisiello on request of the King to be purposely performed in the courtyard of the Royal Palace of San Leucio, to celebrate the announced passing of the ‘Codice Ferdinandeo’ (Ferdinand’s Code). The work became the emblem of the positive relationship of Paisiello with the King of Naples and San Leucio’s people.
It was performed again, after 200 hundred years from its first appearance, in the same courtyard of the Belvedere in San Leucio to celebrate the splendours of the old borough, today totally restored. This festival witnesses how, through the arts and culture, monumental areas and interesting centres from a panoramic point of view can be promoted.