Festival Internazionale della Zampogna

Scapoli, the village of the bagpipe

Perched at over 700 meters above sea level in the upper Volturno valley, at the foot of the Mainarde mountains and a stone's throw from the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise, Scapoli (province of Isernia) is universally recognized as the international capital of the bagpipe. Here, the art of building and playing the ancient reed instrument of the Apennine pastoral tradition has been passed down for generations, also preserved by the Bagpipe Museum set up in the village.

A festival that has lasted for half a century

Born in the 1970s, the International Bagpipe Festival is the most important event dedicated to this instrument and its cousins from around the world (bagpipes, ciaramellas, biniou). Every summer, it draws bagpipers and ciaramella players from numerous Italian regions and several countries to Scapoli, along with luthiers and master craftsmen who showcase their art live.

What to experience in Scapoli

• Evening concerts in the historic center and in Piazza Martiri di Scapoli
• Gatherings and jam sessions of folk musicians in the village streets
• Workshops and demonstrations of bagpipe making
• The large craft and instrument market
• Visits to the Bagpipe Museum

Admission to the events is free. The festival is organized by the Municipality of Scapoli together with the Pro Loco and is traditionally held on the last weekend of July, transforming the entire town into a widespread stage for Molise music and tradition.