Budrio, in the heart of the Bolognese plains, holds a unique musical soul: it was here, in the second half of the 19th century, that the ocarina, a fascinating terracotta instrument invented by craftsman and musician Giuseppe Donati, was born.
From the hands of Budriese masters, the ocarina crossed local borders to become the star of international concerts and a symbol of an authentic and exciting musical tradition.
Today, that history continues to resonate every two years thanks to the Ocarina Festival: an event that transforms Budrio into a diffuse stage of music, art and live performance. The streets of the town come alive with melodies, installations, exhibitions and workshops that attract musicians and fans from all over the world, offering an immersive, multisensory experience.
In addition to the festival, this itinerary is the perfect opportunity to discover the symbolic places of ocarina culture: historic theaters, thematic museums, and urban artworks tell the story of the magic of a sound born from the earth and reaching the farthest stages.
An itinerary suitable for everyone, ideal for the curious and lovers of musical craftsmanship who wish to have an authentic experience in a village where music is part of the collective identity.
The Teatro Consorziale in Budrio, built in the 18th century, is the cultural heart of the town and the stage of excellence for the Ocarina Festival. With its elegant architecture and impeccable acoustics, the theater retains the charm of ancient Italian halls, offering a unique listening experience.
During the festival, its wings come alive with the delicate melodies of the ocarina played by artists from around the world.
To sit among its seats is to immerse yourself in an atmosphere suspended between history and suggestion, where every note tells a part of Budrio's musical soul.
Find out about openings and all programming at the Teatro Consorziale here.
Curiosities
In the past, in addition to theatrical and musical performances, the theater was famous for hosting carnival vigils, events highly anticipated by the community. During these masquerade balls, the theater was transformed into a lively, festively decorated hall, where music, color, and merriment enlivened the evenings, creating moments of gathering and lightheartedness for young and old alike.
We move a few steps to the Ocarina Museum, housed in a historic building in downtown Budrio, is the perfect place to discover the origins and evolution of this extraordinary instrument.
Here ocarinas of all shapes and sizes are preserved, along with photographs, tools and original materials used by local artisans.
The collection bears witness to how the ocarina-making technique evolved and its international spread n countries such as Japan, Britain, the United States, and Latin America and its timeless appeal.
The museum was named in 2011 after Franco Ferri, a central figure in the revival of the Budri tradition and founder of the Municipal School of Ocarina.
Curiosities
Among the most unique ocarinas we find the largest ocarina, over a meter long, capable of emitting deep and surprising sounds, and the smallest one, about the size of a hazelnut, with a high-pitched, crystal-clear sound. There is no shortage of the strangest ocarinas, such as those shaped like animals or unusual objects, the result of the creativity of local craftsmen. These curious variations testify not only to Budrio's ingenuity but also to its affection for its iconic instrument.
Right next to the museum, the art installation The Ocarina Tree transforms the urban landscape into visual poetry.
Its green leaves intertwine with silhouettes of decorated ocarinas, some in flight, others shaped like small geese - a nod to the instrument's name and its folk origin.
The installation on a nearly 5-meter wall is a slender tall ceramic tree bent by an imaginary wind (the wind of art and music) toward the Museum's front door aims to make visible to the citizen, the tourist, and the passerby the presence of an important place of local culture.
Conceived by artist Lorenza Mignoli and built with community participation, it was inaugurated in 2017 to celebrate the deep connection between the town and its iconic instrument.
To taste
While stopping in Budrio, treat yourself to a taste of Bolognese cuisine: from classic tortellini in broth to artisanal mortadella, for an authentically Emilian taste experience.
We now head to the vicinity of the Southeast Tower, in the area of Verdi Street, as a vibrant tribute to the artisans and musicians who have made the ocarina famous throughout the world.
The work depicts a large ocarina-shaped silhouette, covered on both sides with colorful and luminous mosaics. Holes in the instrument become openings from which to peek, photograph, or insert hands, creating a playful and interactive experience for all.
The plinth, acts as a pedestal, bench, or chaise longue: an urban area that is transformed into a space for meeting and contemplation. A monument that blends art, participation and local identity, giving back to the area a shared memory to be experienced with the body and the gaze.
This monument was also inaugurated in 2017 with the participation of artist Lorenza Mignoli.
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