The Zampogna Christmas tradition
The ‘zampognari’ are traditional bagpipe players that entertain people in many parts of Italy during the lead up to Christmas.
As the Immaculate Conception on 8 December approaches, the zampognari will make appearances all around the country.
Traditionally, the zampognari were shepherds that came down from the hills around Christmas time to celebrate with their families and entertain people.
However no one is sure exactly where this tradition began. Some argue it began in Abruzzo or Molise, while others say it started in Rome or Sicily.
The name zampognari comes from the instrument they play which is called a zampogna – it is a rough translation of the Greek word ‘simponia’, which means single reeds. This instrument is a type of double chantered pipe. And while some of the zampognari still play the zampogna, others play the piffero, which is a type of oboe.
Each pipe is tuned differently according to the tradition in the area where the players come from. The reeds are traditionally made from the giant reed ‘canna marina’ and the bags are traditionally made from goat hide or sheepskin. The pifferi are made from the wood of olive or plum trees.
The zampognari continue to wear their traditional dress, including ‘Le cioce’, which is the traditional footwear of peasants and shepherds, long socks and knee length pants.
They can be found playing in Abruzzo, Molise, Lazio, Sicily, Campania, Basilicata and Calabria in open air markets, and in the streets of most major cities – particularly on 8 December and on Sundays leading up to Christmas.