Triskell Celtic Festival

When Trieste becomes the land of the Celts

Every summer, for almost two weeks, the Boschetto del Ferdinandeo in Trieste comes alive with bagpipes, Irish rhythms, and flags in the wind: it's the Triskell Celtic Festival, the most important event for Celtic music and culture in Northeast Italy, active since 2001. Organized by the Associazione Culturale Uther Pendragon with the patronage of the Municipality of Trieste and the Region Friuli Venezia Giulia, the festival has built up a loyal audience over the years, who return every June to immerse themselves in this unique atmosphere.

Music, dance, and Celtic village

The heart of Triskell lies in its free evening concerts, which feature major names from the international folk and Celtic scene alongside emerging artists. But the festival is much more than a music showcase: a true Celtic village comes to life in the grove with a craft market, a food area with food trucks, Irish dance performances, bagpipe and bodhrán exhibitions, historical fencing, falconry, role-playing games, and captivating fire performances. There are also rites and celebrations inspired by Celtic traditions, such as Celtic and Viking unions and summer solstice (Litha) festivals.

Workshops, bodypainting, and activities for everyone

Among the most popular events are the free Irish dance workshops, courses, and stages dedicated to Celtic culture, and the renowned Triskell Bodypainting Contest, a body painting competition that attracts artists from all over Italy. The activities involve adults and children, making the festival a family-friendly experience. Triskell is also confirmed as a plastic-free eco-festival, using biodegradable tableware.

A classic of the Julian summer

With its formula that combines great music, entertainment, and conviviality, and set in the green Boschetto del Ferdinandeo just minutes from the city center, Triskell has become a summer classic in Trieste and an unmissable stop for Celtic culture enthusiasts from all over the Northeast.