Molinara Music Festival

The June 12, 2026 edition brought together all the ingredients that make the Molinara Music Festival recognizable: education, street performance, and theater. The day began with a music workshop where children and teenagers explored sounds and instruments, guided by the musicians of the local band.

In the afternoon, the music moved outdoors with a parade through the town streets, animated by three ensembles: the Nuova Banda Città di Molinara, the Nuova Arte 2 APS from Airola, and the Storico Concerto Bandistico di Gambatesa "Donato Di Maria". A meeting between the Sannio and Molise brass band traditions that traversed the historic center.

In the evening, the Teatro Comunale "Santoro" hosted a concert by the orchestra of the Liceo Musicale "G. Guacci" of Benevento, joined by students from the "O. Fragnito" Comprehensive Institute of San Giorgio La Molara, conducted by Professor Debora Capitanio. To complete the day, a guided tour of the old town and food stalls with dishes prepared by volunteers were available.

The event was held under the patronage of the Municipality of Molinara and in collaboration with the Pro Loco, in a free-admission format that involved the entire village in the province of Benevento.

Morning

Music workshop for children and teenagers, discovering sounds and instruments, led by the band's musicians.

Afternoon

Parade through the town streets with three musical ensembles:

• Nuova Banda Città di Molinara;
• Nuova Arte 2 APS from Airola (BN);
• Storico Concerto Bandistico di Gambatesa "Donato Di Maria" (CB).

Evening

Concert at the Teatro Comunale "Santoro" with the orchestra of the Liceo Musicale "G. Guacci" of Benevento and students from the "O. Fragnito" Comprehensive Institute of San Giorgio La Molara, conducted by Professor Debora Capitanio.

During the day

• Guided tour of the old town of Molinara;
• Food stalls with dishes prepared by volunteers.

• Free music workshop for children and teenagers with band instruments.
• Parade of three brass bands through the historic center, bridging Campania and Molise.
• Evening concert at the Teatro Comunale "Santoro" featuring the orchestra of the Liceo Musicale "G. Guacci" of Benevento.
• Guided tour of the old town, one of the most charming in the Val Fortore.
• Food stalls featuring local volunteer-prepared cuisine and Sannio products.

Getting there

By car: Molinara is located just over thirty kilometers northeast of Benevento, in the Val Fortore area, along the road connecting San Giorgio La Molara and San Marco dei Cavoti. The village is small, and on the day of the festival, the historic center is affected by the parade: it is best to leave your car in the parking spaces at the entrance to the town and continue on foot.

By train: The reference station is Benevento, connected to Naples, Caserta, and Foggia. From there, you can continue by car or local bus services, which may be very limited on holidays.

By plane: The most convenient airport is Naples Capodichino, about an hour and a half away by car.

Admission and costs

The music workshop, the brass band parade, the concert at the Teatro Comunale Santoro, and the guided tour of the old town are free to attend. You only pay for what you consume at the food stalls run by the volunteers.

Where to stay and eat

Accommodation in Molinara is limited to a few farmhouses (agriturismi) and guest houses in the area. Those looking for more options can stay in Benevento or nearby villages in the Fortore valley. For dining, it is worth relying on local cuisine: handmade pasta, olive oil, and Sannio wines.

Tips

• The program is released a few weeks before the event: it is best to follow the channels of the Municipality of Molinara and the Pro Loco.
• Wear comfortable shoes for the uphill alleys of the old town and for following the parade on foot.
• The morning workshop is designed for children and teenagers: it is the part of the day most suitable for families.
• For information on the organizing band, you can write to [email protected].