Felici & Conflenti Winter: Music & Events 2023-2024

felici & Conflenti: A Calabrian Celebration of Living Cultural Heritage

A unique three-day event, Felici & conflenti – Winter Edition, returns to the town of conflenti, Italy, beginning Saturday, December 27th, offering a vibrant exploration of conventional music, community, and the oral transmission of knowledge. More than a festival, this gathering transforms the Calabrian town into a dynamic space for participatory culture and intergenerational exchange.

beyond the Festival: An Open-Air Laboratory

The event distinguishes itself from typical festivals by prioritizing practice over presentation. As one participant explained, “culture is not exposed, but is practiced in a participatory manner.” The streets,squares,and public spaces of Conflenti will come alive with the sounds of diatonic accordions,bagpipes,and ancient vocal traditions,accompanied by dance and shared gestures. This creates a constant dialog between musicians, researchers, enthusiasts, and both local citizens and visitors.

Did you know? – Calabria, the “toe” of Italy, has a rich history of oral traditions due to its historically isolated mountainous terrain. This fostered unique cultural expressions passed down through generations.

A Program Rooted in tradition and Dialogue

Attendees can expect a diverse program over the three days, including instrument and dance workshops, in-depth discussions on rural life and the preservation of memory, and convivial gatherings centered around local cuisine. Seminars will delve into the meanings behind traditional intonations, while theatrical performances and concerts will bridge the gap between heritage and contemporary expression.

Esteemed Guests and Local Voices

The 2025 edition will feature a distinguished lineup of guests, including scholars Vito Teti and Domenico Cersosimo.Musical ensembles Ajri i Lumit and Rrijmi Bashke, alongside musicians Hiram Salsano and Marcello De Carolis, will also contribute to the program. the event will culminate in a concert by the Ra di Spina formation in Piazza Pontano. Crucially, the event organizers emphasize the central role of the traditional players from the Reventino area, recognizing them as “the living soul of the project.”

Pro tip – Participatory events like this thrive on engagement. Don’t be afraid to join a workshop, ask questions, or simply strike up a conversation with a local musician!

Preserving Heritage as a Living Practice

In a world increasingly characterized by fragmentation, Felici & Conflenti offers a powerful counter-narrative. The event underscores that cultural heritage is not a static artifact to be preserved, but rather a dynamic entity to be actively lived and transmitted. This transmission occurs primarily through oral tradition and direct interaction, fostering a sense of shared experience and connection.

Gastronomy as a Cultural connector

Each day will feature social lunches and shared dinners, integrating local gastronomy into the fabric of the event. This culinary component serves as a means of fostering community, strengthening bonds, and engaging all the senses.

Reader question – What role do you think cultural events play in strengthening community bonds in a rapidly changing world? Share yoru thoughts!

A Decade of Cultural Exchange

The 2025 winter edition maintains the artistic direction of Alessio Bressi and the scientific direction of Christian Ferlaino. This event represents a continuation of a ten-year journey that began in a sm