Incontro Internazionale del Folklore "Etnie a Confronto"
Matelica's international folklore festival, featuring dances, songs, and cultures from around the world
About Etnie a Confronto
A bridge between peoples in the heart of the Marche
The Incontro Internazionale del Folklore "Etnie a Confronto" is one of the most cherished events of the summer in Matelica, a town of just over ten thousand inhabitants nestled among the hills of the Umbrian-Marche Apennines, at an altitude of 354 meters, in the Province of Macerata. For several consecutive evenings, usually at the end of July, the historic centre fills with colours, sounds, and different languages: folk groups from every corner of the globe gather here to share their traditions of dance, song, and costume.
A history spanning over thirty years
The festival was founded in 1993 by the Associazione Folklorica "Città di Matelica" (Matelica City Folklore Association) with the aim of creating opportunities for cultural exchange with other Italian and foreign groups. Over the years, it has grown to become one of the symbolic events of the city and the entire inner Vallesina area. The festival is affiliated with CIOFF (Council of International Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Art), a non-governmental organization present in over ninety countries and an official partner of UNESCO: a recognition that guarantees the quality and authenticity of the hosted groups.
What to expect
The heart of the event is the evenings in Piazzale Luigi Gerani, where traditional dance and music performances take place every night. Typically, a national Italian group and several foreign delegations participate: recent editions have featured ensembles from Mexico, Poland, Georgia, Venezuela, Kenya, Cuba, East Timor, and Belgium, with hundreds of young artists in traditional costumes. Alongside the performances, the festival offers ethnic cuisine, photo and craft exhibitions, and opportunities for interaction between the guest communities and the residents of Matelica, including a traditional religious celebration with songs and prayers in the languages of the guest groups.
Why it's worth the trip
"Etnie a Confronto" is not a typical tourist show: it is an authentic encounter between cultures, capable of drawing thousands of spectators to Matelica. It's a perfect opportunity to discover the town, also famous for its Verdicchio DOC wine, and to experience the welcoming atmosphere of the small towns in the Marche region within an international festival setting with free admission.
Etnie a Confronto — edition 2026
Etnie a Confronto 2026 — 31st Edition
The 31st edition of the "Etnie a Confronto" International Folklore Meeting will be held in Matelica (MC) from July 25 to 29, 2026. As tradition dictates, the dance and song performances by international delegations will take place in Piazzale Luigi Gerani, starting at 9:30 PM.
The event, organized by the Associazione Folklorica "Città di Matelica" and affiliated with CIOFF, confirms its proven formula for 2026: free open-air evenings, Italian and foreign groups in traditional costumes, ethnic cuisine, and collateral exhibitions.
Programme Etnie a Confronto 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition and the list of guest folk groups will be announced by the Associazione Folklorica "Città di Matelica" in the weeks preceding the event.
The usual structure includes a series of consecutive evenings in Piazzale Luigi Gerani, with performances starting at 9:30 PM. Each evening, an Italian group and several foreign delegations take the stage, alternating traditional dances, songs, and music from their respective countries. The evening program is usually complemented by ethnic food offerings, photographic and craft exhibitions, and, on Sundays, a religious celebration with songs and prayers in the languages of the guest groups.
Highlights Etnie a Confronto 2026
- Five evenings of international folklore performances in Piazzale Gerani
- Traditional dance and song groups from multiple continents
- Ethnic cuisine and photographic/craft exhibitions
- Free admission to all piazza performances
Prices Etnie a Confronto 2026
Practical information — Etnie a Confronto
Where
The evening performances take place in Piazzale Luigi Gerani, in the centre of Matelica (MC), in the Marche region. The evenings usually start at 9:30 PM.
How to get there
Matelica is reachable by car from the SS256 Muccese and the SS76 dual carriageway (exit for Vallesina). Matelica train station is served by the Civitanova Marche–Albacina line (Ferrovie del Centro Italia).
Admission
Admission to the piazza performances is free.
Information
Associazione Folklorica "Città di Matelica" — Tel. +39 0737 787171, e-mail [email protected]. For the updated schedule, you can also consult Pro Matelica (Tel. +39 0737 685684).
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Where does it take place — Etnie a Confronto
Piazzale Luigi Gerani
Piazzale Luigi Gerani, 62024 Matelica