As I discussed in my last post, Italy is a magical place during the Christmas season. In addition to the Presepio (Nativity), no Italian Christmas celebration would be complete without the the Zampognari (bagpipers). The Zampognari play in Piazzas (squares) around Italy throughout the Christmas season. The tradition began when shepherds came down from the hills to earn extra money by playing bagpipes in the Piazzas. The Zampognari (bagpipers) usually wear traditional dress consisting of sheepskin vests, short breeches with criss-crossed leather leggings, a woolen cloak, and peaked cap.
Historically, the Zampognari were accompanied by musicians playing a shawm, a medieval woodwind instrument. In modern times, they are usually accompanied by musicians playing the oboe. As a child, I loved listening to the Zampognari when my family visited the Antica Fiera di Santa Lucia (Ancient Fair of Saint Lucia) or the center of the town. The sound of bagpipes still reminds me of Christmas and of home.
