The University of Trento will host a three-day conference from June 4–6, 2026 , focused on the connection between medieval laude and living oral traditions within Italian popular devotion. As part of the ERC Laudare project directed by Francesco Zimei, the event explores how sacred movement and the body function in Italian rituals, while examining vernacular traditions such as narrative chants, Passion songs, and regional “mother tongue” devotions.

Scholars and Researchers will also analyze creative adaptations where secular music was transformed into sacred hymns through contrafactum , providing a unique look at how ancient devotional practices survive through contemporary folk performances.

Conference Abstracts and speakers’ BIO at the following LINK

The sessions will be held at the UNITN Department of Humanities

Please find the programme at the following LINK