International Zampogna Festival

A gathering of zampogna players in the heart of the Apennines

Every year, in the first days of January, the small mountain village of Acquafondata, in the province of Frosinone, transforms into the capital of the zampogna (Italian bagpipe). The International Zampogna Festival attracts dozens of players from Lazio, Molise, Campania, Abruzzo, and Sicily, who gather to revive the sound of an ancient instrument, a symbol of the pastoral tradition of the central-southern Apennines. It is not uncommon to encounter, alongside the zampogna players, musicians playing the organetto and other folk instruments, in a blend of sounds that fills the streets and squares of the town.

An internationally recognized event

Defined by the organizers themselves as an internationally recognized appointment, the Festival is much more than a concert: it is a meeting place for musicians, artists, zampogna makers, and enthusiasts of this ancient instrument. The event, promoted by the Municipality of Acquafondata, celebrates a tradition that marks the history, culture, and identity of the territory, in a day dedicated to conviviality and celebration.

The charm of the Valle di Comino

Acquafondata is one of the highest villages in Lazio, nestled among the mountains on the border with Molise and Abruzzo, in an area with a strong pastoral tradition where the zampogna has accompanied the life of the communities for centuries. The timing of the Festival, just a few days before Epiphany, recalls the custom of zampogna players who, during the Christmas period, would come down from the mountains to play traditional carols in front of houses and churches. The Acquafondata gathering keeps this memory alive and shares it with an ever-growing audience.

Music, taste, and conviviality

In addition to musical performances, the Festival offers food and wine stalls featuring the typical flavors of the Ciociaria and Apennine mountains, entertainment, and opportunities for people of all ages to meet. To welcome tourists and enthusiasts even in the event of particularly cold temperatures, a large heated marquee is set up in the square, serving as the beating heart of the day's festivities.

An event for the whole family

With its popular and welcoming character, the International Zampogna Festival is a perfect opportunity to discover an authentic corner of Lazio and to experience one of the most fascinating musical traditions of central-southern Italy up close. A free event, not to be missed by fans of folk music and families alike.