Barga, the Scottish heart of Tuscany celebrates its history with an extraordinary "Scottish Festival" From 5 to 7 September, a cultural bridge between Scotland and the Serchio Valley: three days of traditions, flavours, crafts and music for an authentically Celtic experience.
The picturesque town of Barga, nestled among the green hills of Garfagnana, in the province of Lucca, is preparing to experience an unforgettable weekend, strengthening its historic and unique bond with Scotland. From 5 to 7 September, the streets and squares of Barga will resonate with the notes of bagpipes, the scents of whisky and the colours of tartan, hosting the highly anticipated "Scottish Festival", an event dedicated to the promotion and celebration of Scottish culture in Italy. Barga is not just any town to host an event of this magnitude. It is universally recognized as "the most Scottish city in Italy", a title earned over a century of emigration that has seen thousands of its inhabitants move to Scotland to seek their fortune, and then return, or maintain a strong bond with their homeland.
This phenomenon has created an indissoluble cultural bridge, a unique affinity that is reflected in the daily life, traditions and even culinary habits of the Barga community. The Festival is therefore not just an event, but an authentic reconfirmation of the community's personal bond with Scotland, as if it were a local folk festival.
Francesco Meduri, one of the historic exhibitors and promoter of Scottish culture in Italy, underlines the importance of initiatives like this: "Promoting the cultural essence of Scotland in Italy, and doing it in an iconic place like Barga, means not only making excellent products known, but also telling stories, traditions and values. It is a unique opportunity to create bridges between cultures, enhance our common roots and celebrate an important part of the history of Barga and its inhabitants. The Festival is a complete sensory and cultural experience, which goes beyond the simple exhibition. The sound of the bagpipes invades the village and it is impossible not to be moved".
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a world of ancient and modern traditions, discovering every facet of this cultural exchange between Italy and Scotland. One of the pillars of the event will be high-quality craftsmanship. The undisputed star will be Harris Tweed, the fine wool fabric, spun and woven by hand in the Hebrides, famous throughout the world for its resistance, warmth and its unmistakable colors. It will be possible to admire and purchase unique garments, evidence of centuries-old mastery.
Ample space will be dedicated to gastronomy, a journey through the authentic flavors of the Highlands and beyond. Lovers of Scottish culinary tradition will be able to taste haggis, the national dish made from sheep's entrails (often offered in more accessible variations). There will be no shortage of Scottish beers, from the lightest ales to full-bodied stouts, but also cider, a refreshing drink, and Irn Bru, an iconic Scottish drink. But the real star will undoubtedly be whiskey. A wide selection, from the most popular blends to the rare and prized single malts, will be available for guided tastings, with experts ready to tell the story, production processes and peculiarities of each distillate, transforming every sip into a real cultural journey.
The Festival will be enriched by a program of live traditional Scottish music, with the participation of pipe bands and artists who will fill the air with the evocative melodies of the Highlands, transporting visitors directly to Scotland. There will be demonstrations of traditional dances and workshops for the more curious. Constant presence also that of Mike Lemetti, creator of the Italian tartan, registered for the first time in 2004 at 'The Scottish Register of Tartans' and which also received the approval of the Italian government. His “Clan Italia” is a beautiful reality, a unique and authentic creation that honors all Italians.
FESTIVAL PROGRAMME:
"Barga Scottish Market" (open Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m.) featuring a flavor of Scotland with traditional products such as beers, whiskey, cider, irnbru, tea, haggis, shortbread, porridge, cupcakes, tablets, Cadbury's chocolate, oatmeal, tweed, tartan, gadgets, souvenirs, handmade and vintage items, antique porcelain, teapots and mugs, a display of West Highland White Terriers, Harry Potter, Outlander, ancient weapons and Celtic objects, consulting and tailor-made trips, golf, Scottish dancing, and tastings at the stalls.
The Festival will feature traditional Scottish dishes such as salmon, fish and chips, soup of the day, macaroni and cheese, and the traditional Scottish breakfast at the stalls and restaurants.
Friday September 5th: The official start is at 5:30 pm with the procession from Piazza Pascoli to the historic center, led by “The Isle of Skye Youth Pipe Band,” followed by a traveling show through the streets of the ancient castle.
At 9:00 pm at the Teatro dei Differenti, organized by the Association of Lucchesi in the World, with the special commitment of its president, Ilaria Del Bianco I, a gala concert will be held, directed by Vivien Hewitt, featuring fellow Barga native and Scottish William Moriconi.
On Saturday, September 6th, the official meeting between the Mayor of Barga and the Lord Povost of Glasgow, Jaqueline McLaren, will take place in the council chamber at 10:30 am. For the second year, the Mayor of Glasgow will be present in Barga, and this will also be an opportunity to present the Barga-Glasgow friendship tartan.
At 11:30 am under the Volta dei Menchi, the book presentation "Cuori di Scozia" by Elena Bertagna will take place; at 2:15 pm, also at the Volta dei Menchi, "The Tradition of Scottish Martial Arts" curated by Claymore Italia.
At 3:00 pm, also at the Volta, the book presentation "The Roots of Disquiet" by Paolo Gulisano; at 4:00 pm, "Outlander," a presentation in historical costume by Elena Bertagna. At 5:00 pm, also at the Volta, "On the Tea Road: How a Leaf Has Crossed the Centuries and the World," a presentation on the history of tea by Renata Giannecchini.
At 6:00 pm, the event moves to Piazza del Comune with a concert of traditional Scottish music featuring Oscar McLellan.
The finale will be a grand one at 9:30 pm in Piazza San Felice with "Barga Ceilidh Dance" featuring the Lionhead duo and the dance company "Circolo di Lucca."
A truly packed program awaits:
Sunday, September 7th: at 10:00 am in Kennedy Park, the second edition of the "Barga Highland Games," traditional Scottish team games; at 11:00 am at the Volta dei Menchi, "West Highland Way: Scotland Experienced on Foot," a lecture by Elena Bertagna; and at 12:00 pm in Piazza Angelio, a concert of Celtic music featuring the Lionhead duo.
At 2:00 pm, on the terrace of the Stanze della Memoria Museum, Francesca Buonagurelli presents "Fish and Chips: Tradition and Preparation."
The day concludes at 4:00 pm in Piazza San Felice with the dance show "A Scottish Dance Trip," featuring the dance company "Circolo di Lucca."
At 5:00 pm, again in the square, the final performance by the Royal Highland Company Pipes and Drums, the Isle of Skye Youth Pipe Band, and the Circolo di Lucca dance company; at
6:30 pm at the Teatro dei Differenti, the theatrical performance "Il Primetto è 'ito' in Scozia" by the "boys" of GVS Barga.
Upcoming exhibitions include: "Tartan Trio... Three Scottish Artists in Barga" – Bryan Angus, Jane Richardson, and Mike Samson – Galleria Quattro Archi, Vicolo del Duomo;
"John Bellany," Works by the renowned artist dedicated to Scotland and the Serchio Valley – Galleria John Bellany, Piazza Angelio;
"Scottish Vibes in Barga" – Arcadia Painting School – Via di Mezzo;
"Whispers of Scotland," winning works from the first edition of the Clan Botta competition dedicated to Scotland and the sea –