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 flying: 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 (Uther Pendragon Cultural Association) 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 is the free evening concerts, which feature major names from the international folk and Celtic scene alongside emerging bands. 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 shows, bagpipe and bodhrán performances, 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, body painting, and activities for everyone

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

A classic of the Julian summer

With its formula that combines great music, entertainment, and conviviality, and with the green setting of the Boschetto del Ferdinandeo just a few minutes from the center, Triskell is now a classic of the Trieste summer and an unmissable stop for Celtic culture enthusiasts from all over the Northeast.