Marranzano World Fest

A festival that makes iron sing

The Marranzano World Fest is one of the most unique musical events on the Sicilian scene. Born in 2005 in Catania, it is entirely built around the marranzano—the small iron jaw harp that has accompanied the island's folk music for centuries—and the vast family of idiophones and frame instruments found worldwide. Each edition focuses on a specific type of instrument, fostering a dialogue between Sicilian tradition and distant musical cultures.

Between Sicilian roots and global horizons

Promoted by the Associazione Musicale Etnea (AME) and conceived by Luca Recupero, the festival has become a benchmark for enthusiasts, musicians, and instrument makers both in Italy and abroad, playing a decisive role in highlighting the potential of the marranzano. The festival combines ethnomusicological research with live performance, hosting world music artists alongside masters of the Sicilian oral tradition.

Concerts, exhibitions, and workshops

The Marranzano World Fest program goes beyond just concerts. Throughout the event, a variety of activities create an immersive experience in sound culture:

• Concerts featuring traditional, ethnic, and world music;
• Exhibitions of musical instruments from around the world;
• Lectures and ethnomusicological deep-dive events;
• Workshops and masterclasses to learn how to play the marranzano and frame drums;
• Festive gatherings and social moments in the city's historic venues.

Catania as a stage

The festival animates some of Catania's most evocative locations, from the Palazzo della Cultura to Palazzo Scammacca, as well as spaces in the surrounding metropolitan area. Usually held between late summer and early autumn (September to October), it aligns perfectly with Sicily's festival season. In a city deeply rooted in its musical heritage at the foot of Mount Etna, the Marranzano World Fest tells the story of how a small iron instrument can become a bridge between peoples and generations.

An unmissable event

For those who love folk music, traditional instruments, and cross-cultural encounters, the Marranzano World Fest is a unique opportunity to discover the most authentic and curious side of Sicily, far from clichés and projected toward the world.