Caprarola Balla

The balfolk festival in the heart of Tuscia

Caprarola Balla is a European folk dance festival that turns the village of Caprarola, in the province of Viterbo, Lazio, into a massive open-air dance floor every spring. The event is dedicated to balfolk, a movement that emerged in France in the 1970s, reviving traditional European dances performed to live music, alongside the culture of the mazurka klandestina. This isn't a spectator event; it's an invitation to dance with your body and as a community.

From an idea by Benedetta Bruzziches

The festival was founded in 2025 by Caprarola-born fashion designer Benedetta Bruzziches, with the goal of bringing people back to dance in the village square. The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Caprarola under the artistic direction of Ciro Troise, who gathers musicians, dance instructors, and dancers from all over Europe every year.

Live music and dance

The highlight of each day is the evening dance concert, held in the evocative Scuderie of Palazzo Farnese, where spontaneous dancing continues until late at night. The stage features a rotating lineup of international balfolk artists, bringing the rhythmic traditions of Belgium, France, Portugal, and Italy to Caprarola.

Workshops, walks, and daytime activities

Alongside the concerts, the program offers free dance workshops open to everyone, including beginners, led by expert instructors. Mornings are dedicated to exploring the local area: cultural walks through the historic center, hikes in the beech forests of Lake Vico, and tours of the Farnese caves. There are also workshops designed for children, ensuring a truly family-friendly atmosphere.

Caprarola and Palazzo Farnese

The festival is set in one of the most beautiful villages in the Tuscia region. Caprarola is world-renowned for the monumental Palazzo Farnese, a pentagonal Renaissance masterpiece designed by Vignola, with gardens and elegant stables that host many of the events. Dancing within these historic walls makes for a unique experience, blending heritage, landscape, and folk celebration.

A participatory festival

Caprarola Balla is designed as a community-driven event. On Sunday at noon, free dancing takes over the main square, open to anyone who wishes to join, and admission to concerts and workshops is free for Caprarola residents. Lunches and dinners, prepared by local associations using typical regional products, complete an experience that weaves together music, conviviality, and tradition in the heart of Lazio.