ItineFestival – Sounds of the Journey

ItineFestival – Sounds of the Journey: Music that tells the story of our roots

Every August, the village of Cansano, perched at the foot of the Maiella in the province of L'Aquila, transforms into a sprawling stage thanks to ItineFestival – Sounds of the Journey. Promoted by the Municipality of Cansano, the festival uses the streets, squares, and churches of the historic center as its backdrop—symbolic locations of travel and emigration, a theme deeply felt by a community that, like many towns in the Abruzzo hinterland, has faced depopulation and the departure of its sons and daughters to Europe and the Americas.

A traveling festival among the village stones

The ItineFestival concept is a musical journey that moves from one village location to another each night. Concerts are held outdoors in squares like Piazza XX Settembre and in the heart of the historic center, or in spaces steeped in history such as the garden and interior of the rural church of San Nicola di Bari, with its rare frescoed ceiling that honors the memory of migrant miners. Each evening becomes an opportunity to rediscover corners of the village that are otherwise rarely visited.

High-quality music, often close to home

The program spans various genres, all tied together by the common thread of travel and cultural exchange: classical music from guitar and flute duos, jazz from trios and quartets, swing from literary café-style bands, funk from brass ensembles, and the reinterpretation of the Abruzzo folk repertoire blended with jazz and blues, as seen in the performances by the Peligna-based group Andamarosa. Many of the over thirty artists involved have local roots, highlighting the bond between the music and the territory.

Flavors and community

Alongside the concerts, ItineFestival offers moments of conviviality that strengthen the community spirit of the event: dinners featuring wine and local specialties, food stalls, the "Return Festival" dedicated to those visiting their hometown, and events focused on craft beer. Admission to all concerts is free, in keeping with the festival's popular and inclusive mission.

A project for the Apennine villages

More than just a concert season, ItineFestival is a cultural project that invites us to rethink the places affected by depopulation: using music and gatherings to bring life, presence, and new perspectives back to a small municipality in inland Abruzzo. Supported by the Fondazione CARISPAQ, the festival has established itself in just a few editions as one of the most defining summer events in the Maiella and Valle Peligna area.