Stories, Archaeology and Narratives: The Bottari di Macerata

Through a unique musical language that combines barrels, vats, and sickles with more traditional musical instruments, the Bottari di Macerata Campania transform peasant rhythms into a vibrant and engaging artistic experience. Their music tells stories of hardship, passion, faith, and hope, blending folk spirit with contemporary sounds.

The combination of these percussions and sound textures creates the distinctive style known as Pastellessa. The Battuglie di Pastellessa parade through the streets during the days leading up to the feast of Saint Anthony Abbot on January 17. The performers ride on floats built to resemble ships, inspired by an ancient legend according to which Saint Anthony arrived from Africa by boat. Each year, the entire community joins forces to prepare this event, preserving a tradition that is over a thousand years old.

Like the group STOMP, the Bottari give musical value to everyday objects. The boundary between musical instrument and work tool disappears.

Rhythm thus becomes a universal, ritual, and relational language that engages and unites the audience.