Festival of the Italian Bagpipers
The bagpipe festival in the Molise village that is its capital
About Festival of Italian Bagpipers
San Polo Matese, capital of the bagpipe
In the heart of the Molise Matese, in the province of Campobasso, the village of San Polo Matese is one of the main Italian centers for the bagpipe, along with Scapoli and Castelnuovo al Volturno. From this mountain village, the Matese bagpipers set off every year, in costume, for their Christmas tours throughout Italy. It is natural, therefore, that the Festival of the Italian Bagpipers, a national festival dedicated to the ancient reed instrument, is celebrated right here.
A gathering of players from all over Italy
In August — usually between the 10th and 18th of the month — the festival attracts bagpipe musicians and players from various regions of Italy to the small Molise town. The village streets fill with the characteristic sound of the reeds, with concerts, itinerant performances, and meetings between enthusiasts and instrument makers. The event, now in its twentieth edition, is promoted by the Zampognari del Matese.
A living sound heritage
More than just a musical review, the event is a celebration of an intangible cultural heritage deeply rooted in the territory. The bagpipe in San Polo Matese is not museum folklore, but a living tradition, passed down from generation to generation and capable of uniting the community around its identity. A precious event for those who want to get to know the musical soul of inland Molise up close.
Festival of Italian Bagpipers — edition 2026
The Festival of the Italian Bagpipers returns in August 2026 to San Polo Matese (CB), traditionally in the second half of the month (usually between August 10th and 18th). The festival will again host the gathering of bagpipe players from various Italian regions, with concerts and itinerant performances in the streets of the Matese village. The precise dates, guests, and detailed program are usually communicated by the Zampognari del Matese in the weeks preceding the event.
Programme Festival of Italian Bagpipers 2026
The exact dates and the 2026 program will be announced by the Zampognari del Matese. The usual structure includes:
- Gathering of bagpipe players from various Italian regions
- Evening concerts and performances
- Itinerant performances through the village streets
- Meetings between enthusiasts and instrument makers
Highlights Festival of Italian Bagpipers 2026
Prices Festival of Italian Bagpipers 2026
Practical information — Festival of Italian Bagpipers
When
In August, generally between the 10th and 18th of the month (the exact date varies from year to year).
Where
San Polo Matese (CB), town center, 750 m above sea level on the Matese mountains.
How to get there
By car towards the Molise Matese, from the Bojano area.
Admission
Mostly free events in the streets and squares of the village.
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Where does it take place — Festival of Italian Bagpipers
Centro di San Polo Matese