Terra Folk in Sabina

A folk music and dance festival in the heart of Sabina

Terra Folk in Sabina is a celebration of folk music and dance that transforms the Parco Camuccini in Cantalupo in Sabina—a charming village in the province of Rieti, Lazio—every summer. For three days, typically in early August, the park becomes an open-air stage where concerts, dances, workshops, and roving performances unfold among the trees, offering a cool escape from the summer heat of the Sabina countryside.

Three days of concerts, dancing, and workshops

The festival offers a rich, participatory program designed for folk dance enthusiasts, families, and curious visitors alike. The days are filled with workshops on traditional singing, tambourine, dance, and folk instruments (such as the organetto, Calabrian lira, and double bass), followed by concerts and evening dances under the stars. Roving performances animate the park grounds, while creative activities for children make the event suitable for all ages.

The artistic direction is led by Monica Neri, with educational direction by Francesca Trenta (I Passi della Tradizione), both key figures in promoting the folk repertoire of Central Italy. Recent editions have featured renowned names in world music and Italian folk, such as Raffaello Simeoni, Clara Graziano with the Circo Diatonico, and Sara Marini, alongside the Banda di Cantalupo and various groups specializing in the saltarello, tarantella, and traditional songs from Lazio and Calabria.

A welcoming and accessible event

Terra Folk in Sabina is known for its friendly and inclusive spirit. Many activities are free, while workshops require registration and a small participation fee. A food court within the park serves local dishes, and accommodation is available at the municipal hostel and other local facilities. The event is organized by the Il Flauto Magico Cultural Association with the support of the Municipality of Cantalupo in Sabina and the Lazio Region.

Discovering the Sabina region

The festival is also a perfect opportunity to explore the Sabina region, a land of ancient olive groves, medieval villages, and exceptional extra virgin olive oil. With its historic center and the 17th-century Palazzo Camuccini, Cantalupo in Sabina serves as an ideal base for exploring nearby villages like Casperia, Selci, and Roccantica—a territory just a few kilometers from Rome yet far from the beaten tourist path.