Formia. Bagpipe Festival of music and culture

The zampogna - bagpipe festival in Formia is one of the most important in Italy in the panorama of popular music, culture and world music.

The review has distant roots and was born in 1995. It is divided into a few days in January in Maranola di Formia, a hilltop village of Formia that was formed precisely from the union of this village with that of Castellone along the coast.

A review with concerts, votive songs dedicated to the Virgin and many important artists welcome guests from many Italian regions and abroad, players of bagpipes, pive and ciaramelle.

The rite begins with a sign of religious devotion and the numerous players climb up the narrow streets of the picturesque village to reach the votive shrine of the Madonna degli Zampognari: a procession that is an "invented tradition".

The festival hosts a traditional violin making exhibition-market which is considered the most interesting event where you can buy musical instruments, traditional objects, pastoral tools related to the world of bagpipes. A unique opportunity to come into direct contact with some of the most important luthiers and makers of musical instruments in the peninsula.

The presence of different generations of players, luthiers and enthusiasts confirms that this festival has become an awaited moment and a party capable of attracting thousands of people. Informality and spontaneity dominate the festival.