Tammurriata al Borgo

The Tammurriata al Borgo in Dragoni

Tammurriata al Borgo is an evening dedicated to the memory, music, and flavors of the Caserta hinterland. It takes place in the evocative village of San Giorgio, one of the oldest districts in the municipality of Dragoni, in the province of Caserta, Campania. For one night, the ancient walls and narrow alleys return to tell their story: a dive into the Middle Ages amidst old palaces, courtyards, and noble residences that bring back the era when the village was densely inhabited by citizens, nobles, and local lords.

A tour through history and tradition

The heart of the event is the guided historical tour, a journey through the town's old palaces accompanied by historian and writer Michele Grauso, the initiative's authentic guide. The route passes through the area's ancient dwellings, recounting the stories of their inhabitants and restoring to the village of San Giorgio all the charm of its thousand-year history. The soft glow of candles along the narrow streets and the scents in the air create an intimate and romantic atmosphere that culminates in the village square.

Folk music and dance

The festival concludes in the square with folk music: the rhythms, songs, and dances of the Campania tradition bring the village to life until late. The star of the evening is the tammurriata, the ancient dance-song accompanied by the tambourine that gives the event its name, a symbol of the folk identity of the South and Campania. The natural acoustics of the small square amplify the voices and instruments in a cozy and engaging setting.

Local flavors

A major highlight of the evening is the local gastronomy, featuring a tasting of wild chicory and beans: red-purple chicory harvested in the fields of Dragoni, paired with beans according to an ancient folk recipe, and served with extra virgin olive oil and fresella. Once considered a poor man's dish, it is now rediscovered and appreciated as an authentic delicacy, an emblem of a simple, genuine cuisine rooted in the land.

Part of the Estate Dragonese

Tammurriata al Borgo is part of the Estate Dragonese calendar, a series of events promoted and sponsored by the Municipality of Dragoni, which brings music, culture, and traditions to the historic center and the village of San Giorgio throughout the summer. It is an initiative that highlights the historical heritage and folk roots of this corner of the Alto Casertano.