Valle di Comino International Folklore Festival - Luciano Sarda Memorial

A bridge between peoples in the heart of Ciociaria

The Valle di Comino International Folklore Festival is one of the most anticipated summer events in Atina, a historic village in the Valle di Comino in the province of Frosinone, in southern Lazio. Established in the early 1980s by Luciano Sarda and the local Gruppo Folk Ciociaro, the festival is now dedicated to his memory: the subtitle Luciano Sarda Memorial honors the man who first recognized the value of an event capable of fostering dialogue between distant cultures through folk dance and music.

Groups from all over the world

The heart of the festival is the participation of folk groups from various Italian regions and numerous nations. Every evening, dancers perform in traditional attire, showcasing the dances, songs, and rhythms of their respective countries. The stage set up along Viale della Cartiera thus becomes a small world tour, where the audience can admire diverse choreographies and discover the similarities and differences between the folk traditions of the five continents.

Four days of performances and parades

The program spans four days packed with events. Following the official opening ceremony, the schedule features themed evenings, including the "Young Edition" dedicated to younger groups and the "Made in Italy" night celebrating local folklore. There is also a religious moment with Holy Mass at the Church of Santa Scolastica. The grand finale is marked by costumed parades that bring the historic center of Atina and the Ponte Melfa area to life, followed by the closing ceremony with the exchange of gifts between the delegations.

Atina and the Valle di Comino

Set in one of the most picturesque villages in the area, the festival is also an opportunity to discover Atina and the Valle di Comino, a land of ancient origins, mountain landscapes, and authentic gastronomy featuring typical Ciociarian products. The event, which is free to attend, attracts families, tourists, and folklore enthusiasts every year, confirming its status as a symbol of Atina's summer and a landmark for folklore in Lazio.

A festival of friendship and peace

Beyond the performances, the International Folklore Festival has a strong message of friendship between peoples in its DNA: cultural exchange, conviviality, and sharing among the guest delegations have always been the most authentic values of the event, capable of transforming this small town in the province of Frosinone into a true international capital of folklore for a few days.