Accordion and 'Du Botte' Festival

The Accordion and 'Du Botte' Festival in Fraine

Deep in the Alto Vastese, perched at over 750 meters above sea level in the province of Chieti, the village of Fraine preserves one of the most heartfelt musical traditions of Abruzzo. Every summer, the village comes alive with the Accordion and 'Du Botte' Festival, an event dedicated to the diatonic button accordion, an instrument that has accompanied local festivals, serenades, and folk dances for generations.

What is "lu du botte"?

The local dialect term "du botte" refers to the Abruzzese diatonic accordion, a small bellows-driven instrument named after the playing style, which involves "two hits" (due botte) on the keys. It is the quintessential folk instrument of the Abruzzese mountains: a staple of village feasts, weddings, and serenades, it embodies a sonic heritage passed down from player to player. The Fraine festival was created to safeguard and promote this legacy, offering a stage to the region's finest accordionists.

A community festival

The event is organized by Pro Loco Fraine APS and is a highlight of the village's summer program, which features cultural evenings, social gatherings, and traditional celebrations. The streets and squares of the historic center become a natural stage for musician gatherings, performances, and traditional Abruzzese folk dances. The atmosphere is that of the authentic, welcoming inland villages, where music serves as a bridge between generations and a reunion for the local community and visitors alike.

Abruzzese folk tradition

The festival is part of a broader movement to rediscover Abruzzese folk music, which has recently restored dignity and visibility to the "du botte" accordion. With its summer event, Fraine has become a key stop in a network of festivals and gatherings animating the Alto Vastese and Chieti hinterland, helping to keep alive a unique musical identity that risked fading away.

The village of Fraine

With just over two hundred inhabitants, Fraine is a small town of ancient origins, its name derived from the Latin frangere, linked to the area's ancient stone quarries. The village is home to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria Mater Domini and the Church of San Silvestro, and it maintains traditions deeply rooted in pastoral culture. The festival is the perfect opportunity to discover this authentic corner of inland Abruzzo, far from the beaten tourist path.

Dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced: we recommend following the Pro Loco Fraine channels for updates.