The University of Trento hosted 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 explored 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 analyzed 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 were hosted at the UNITN Department of Humanities

Please find the programme at the following LINK