International Folklore Meetings

World folklore in the heart of the Vallo di Lauro

Some towns come alive with music in the summer, completely changing their character for a few days: Taurano, a village of just over 1,500 residents nestled on the slopes of Monte Pizzo d'Alvano in the province of Avellino, is one of them. In early August, its squares and the Villa Comunale fill with the sound of drums and accordions, and the sight of swirling skirts and embroidered costumes: this is the International Folklore Meetings, a festival that has been bringing folk dance and music groups from all over the world to Irpinia for nearly thirty years.

This is far more than a simple folk show; the event is designed as a genuine encounter. Dancers are hosted by local families and volunteers, fostering exchanges that extend well beyond the stage. The organizers' chosen motto, «I see horizons where you draw borders», perfectly captures the spirit of the festival.

A story that began in 1996

The first edition took place in 1996. Since then, the Pro Loco of Taurano, in partnership with the Laccio di Amore folk group, has built an event that has become one of the most anticipated highlights of the Irpinian summer and a key cultural reference point in Campania for folk traditions. Over the years, Taurano has welcomed groups from Kenya, Argentina, Dagestan, Ireland, Spain, Poland, and Bulgaria, and more recently from Brazil, Cuba, Georgia, Slovakia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guadeloupe, the United States, South Africa, and New Zealand.

The connection to folklore is no coincidence: Taurano still preserves traditional dances like the quadriglia and the laccio d'amore, performed during the Carnival season, which inspired the name of the local folk group. The summer festival is therefore a way for the community to put its own repertoire into dialogue with that of its international guests.

What to expect

The heart of the event lies in the grand gala evenings, where multiple ensembles take turns on the same stage. The program typically includes:

• Evening open-air performances at the Villa Comunale and other public spaces, featuring traditional dances, songs, and music;
• Parades and processions of costumed groups through the town streets, often accompanied by a marching band;
• Cultural exchange moments between guest groups and local associations;
• Stalls and tastings of local products, which accompany many of the Taurano summer evenings;
• Activities for families and children, in a cozy, small-town setting.

Performances are held in the evening when temperatures are more pleasant, and admission is traditionally free—a feature that makes the festival highly popular with visitors from neighboring towns.

A recognized showcase

The International Folklore Meetings are part of the Italian network of association-based folk festivals and are included annually in the official program of Irpinian Pro Loco associations promoted by the UNPLI of Avellino. For a small town like Taurano, this represents a significant organizational effort, supported almost entirely by volunteers: hospitality, logistics, stage management, and the reception of foreign groups are handled by the Pro Loco with the support of the Municipality and local associations.

Taurano and the Vallo di Lauro

The Municipality of Taurano is located at the western edge of the province of Avellino, in a green area squeezed between Irpinia and the Nola hinterland, a short distance from Nola and the Partenio Regional Park. The territory includes the convent complex of San Giovanni del Palco, a symbolic place for the community and the setting for various summer events, as well as a compact historic center filled with alleys, courtyards, and small squares.

Visitors attending the festival can easily combine their trip with other local stops: the villages of the Vallo di Lauro, the Lancellotti Castle in Lauro, the trails of the Partenio Mountains, and Irpinian cuisine, with its cheeses, cured meats, and wines from the province of Avellino. In August, Taurano is also known for the Gnocchi Festival, which takes place at another time during the month, completing the town's summer calendar.

When to go

The festival is concentrated in the first ten days of August. It is advisable to arrive a little early before the shows begin to secure a spot near the stage and to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the town: evenings often continue late into the night with music, conversation, and tastings.