Santeria

Santeria began in Milan in 2010 as an organization for cultural activity and music, founded by Andrea Pontiroli and Daniela Amati, among others. Its first site opened in March 2011 in a refurbished building on Via Paladini. Alongside live performances and cultural events, the space contained a bar, bookshop, record shop, gallery, offices and coworking facilities. In 2013, permit and bureaucracy problems led to a temporary halt in events at Paladini.

The organization now operates Santeria Paladini 8 and Santeria Toscana 31 in Milan. It secured the municipal tender for the Viale Toscana 31 property in October 2014, then opened the second venue in 2015 as Santeria Social Club. Toscana 31 contains a theatre, stage, bar, kitchen and areas for events. Santeria’s programme has covered concerts, club nights, showcases, DJ sets, talks, workshops, comedy and other cultural activities, combining music with food and drink, training and community events.

Events have featured Buunshin, Rohaan, Dogs I Know and What So Not. Recurring formats include Matinée, Cinemerenda and Art Your Own Risk, as well as music programmes such as Jazz in the Corner. In 2019, the programme featured jazz nights, rock performances and shows by Italian singer-songwriters. Events at Paladini have also included acoustic concerts, film screenings, book presentations and exhibitions.