Castilenti in Festival
The national organetto and diatonic accordion competition
About Castilenti in Festival
A weekend dedicated to the organetto in Abruzzo
Every year in early June, Castilenti in Festival transforms the town of Castilenti, in the province of Teramo, into the Abruzzo capital of the organetto and diatonic accordion. The event is hosted by the Il Salice Castilenti association in the Colle dei Galli district, a scenic spot nestled in the Teramo hills that, for one weekend, comes alive with folk music, talented players, and passionate enthusiasts.
The heart of the event is a national competition for organetto and diatonic accordion, which serves as an official selection for the Italian Championship. Candidates of all ages, playing any type or brand of instrument, compete in sections and categories based on their instrument and year of birth—a format that allows children, teenagers, and adults to showcase their skills within their own age group, giving ample space to the rising talents of the folk tradition.
More than just a competition: theatre, dance, and folklore
Castilenti in Festival is much more than a contest. The program alternates between the competition and moments of entertainment and celebration: the dialect comedy that kicks off Saturday evening, performances by folk dance groups, and shows by Italian, European, and world champions that animate the Sunday schedule. It is a wonderful way to introduce the general public to an instrument deeply rooted in the rural and pastoral culture of Abruzzo.
The event is promoted by the Il Salice Castilenti Cultural and Sports Association in collaboration with A.M.I.SA.D. APS (Italian Musical Association for Diatonic Reed Instruments), Amici della Musica APS, and the C.D.M.I. of Recanati Terme, with the patronage of the Abruzzo Region, the Province of Teramo, and the Municipality of Castilenti. The day concludes with the awarding of prizes and accolades, including a scholarship dedicated to supporting Abruzzo's folkloric traditions.
Why it's worth attending
- A national organetto and diatonic accordion competition, one of the few in Abruzzo
- Official selection for the national category championship
- Dialect theatre, folk dances, and internationally renowned guests
- Free admission and an authentic village atmosphere
Castilenti in Festival — edition 2026
The third edition of the Castilenti in Festival was held on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the Il Salice Castilenti association headquarters. The format of the national organetto and diatonic accordion competition was confirmed, serving as an official selection for the category-based Italian Championship, open to Italian musicians of all ages.
The program combined the competition with shows, folk dances, and performances by Italian, European, and world champions, concluding with an awards ceremony and the presentation of certificates. The event was held under the patronage of the Abruzzo Region, the Province of Teramo, and the Municipality of Castilenti.
Programme Castilenti in Festival 2026
Saturday, June 6, 2026
- 21:00 — Inaugural evening with the theatre workshop "…e compagnia bella" and the dialect comedy "Lu rellogge di San Pasquale"
Sunday, June 7, 2026
- from 9:00 — Candidate registration and public auditions for the national organetto and diatonic accordion competition, divided into sections and categories by instrument and year of birth
- Musical entertainment during the auditions
- Performances by the Il Salice ASD folk dance groups
- Performances by past Italian, European, and world champions
- In the evening — Announcement of rankings, awards ceremony, and presentation of certificates; drawing for the "Support for Abruzzo's Folkloric Traditions" scholarship and a voucher for Della Noce Organetti
Highlights Castilenti in Festival 2026
Prices Castilenti in Festival 2026
Practical information — Castilenti in Festival
Location
Il Salice Castilenti, Contrada Colle dei Galli 16, 64035 Castilenti (TE), Abruzzo.
How to get there
Castilenti is located in the hilly hinterland of the Teramo province, in the Val Fino valley. From the A14 motorway, take the Roseto degli Abruzzi or Pineto exit and head inland. By train, the nearest station is Pineto-Atri on the Adriatic line, from where you can continue by car.
Admission
Free admission. Sunday auditions are open to the public from the morning onwards.
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Where does it take place — Castilenti in Festival
Il Salice Castilenti
Contrada Colle dei Galli 16, 64035 Castilenti