Festival Antiche Radici

Plans are underway for the programme of the event celebrating the region’s rich historical heritage, with a particular focus on traditional music and instruments such as the zampogna and the surdulina.

In 2025, the seventh edition of the Antiche Radici Festival, RRËNJET E VJETRA, will take place – one of the most important events for the community of San Paolo. It is a three-day programme of talks, workshops and artist residencies aimed at fostering dialogue between regions and generations through the bagpipes and the surdulina.

It is well known, in fact, that in San Paolo Albanese, despite almost five centuries having passed since the Arbëreshë community settled there, the cultural characteristics of the ethnic group of origin have been preserved intact: the language, traditions, the Byzantine rite, the broom-making process, traditional clothing and costumes, as well as traditional musical instruments.

To pass on the tradition of traditional instruments, sounds and music, the three-day Festival programme includes courses in tambourine, bagpipes and surdulina, as well as folk dance workshops. The courses are free of charge and have limited places. To register, you will need to wait for the publication of the 2025 programme.

“The bond with one’s homeland is something deep within that no one can resist.”
Vincenzo Di Sanzo, musician and instrument maker

The event, under the artistic direction of Vincenzo Di Sanzo, attracts tourists and enthusiasts of music, history and local traditions from all over Italy and even from abroad. Many young people come here, keen to learn about the instrumental and dance techniques that are part of Arbëreshë culture, which the small but resilient community of San Paolo Albanese keeps alive.
As soon as it is available, the programme for the 2025 edition of the Festival delle Radici will be published on this page. Stay in touch with us.