Tammurr Festival

A festival preserving the tradition of 'basse bande'

The Tammurr Festival was founded in 1969 in Grumo Appula, a town in the Murgia area of the Bari province, and is now one of the most deeply rooted folk festivals in Puglia. The name refers to 'tammurr'—drums in the local dialect—and pays homage to the popular culture of brass and percussion bands that have accompanied patronal feasts and processions in Southern Italy for centuries.

The 'basse bande' and the 'tammurr'

The heart of the event lies in the so-called basse bande (or basse musiche): small, traditional brass and drum ensembles that once preceded the main town band along the streets. In Grumo Appula, this tradition is revived and celebrated every year, with groups marching to popular tunes and traditional southern band repertoire, complete with costumes, banners, and folk dance steps.

Music and folklore through the town streets

During the festival, the historic centre and the central Piazza Vittorio Veneto become a large open-air stage. The days alternate between roving music in the streets, stage performances, and the characteristic parade of guest ensembles, creating a festive atmosphere that involves both locals and visitors. Evening concerts featuring prominent groups from the Puglian and Salento folk and 'tarantella' scenes are also a staple.

Groups from across Puglia and Southern Italy

Each edition brings together 'basse bande' and folk groups from various parts of Southern Italy. Past guest ensembles include:

• Storica Bassa Musica di Grumo Appula and Gruppo Bandistico "Don Giovanni D'Erasmo"
• Premiata Bassa Musica di Laterza
• Storica Premiata Bassa Musica di Carbonara
• Bassa Musica di Terlizzi
• Storica Premiata Tradizionale Bassa Musica di Molfetta
• Gruppo Folk di Ruvo di Puglia
• I Giganti di Varapodio, from Calabria

Grumo Appula and the Puglia Region

Organized by the Associazione Festival di Tammurr, the event is held under the patronage of the City of Grumo Appula and supported by the Puglia Region, as part of initiatives dedicated to local folk traditions, also evoked by the historic subtitle "Il Vento Caldo delle Murge" (The Warm Wind of the Murgia). The festival is an opportunity to rediscover the identity of the municipality and the Bari Murgia area through music, costume, and the conviviality of the town square.

A popular and free event

The Tammurr Festival retains the character of a community celebration: admission is traditionally free, and the atmosphere is that of a genuine Puglian village feast, with stalls, crowds in the streets, and the unmistakable sound of drums and brass. Dates can vary from year to year (in the past, the event has been held in both summer and autumn), so it is advisable to check the calendar on the organizer's official channels.