Are you a fiend for festivals around the world? Why not visit Czech Republic and listen to the almighty bagpipes at the International Bagpipe Festival.
Location
Strakonice, Písecko, South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Dates
Late August, held every two years.
Description
As well as Turkish fez hats, handguns and CZ Motorcycles, the Czech town of Strakonice is known for its dudy (bagpipes). Oh, General Patton also based himself here when the US army liberated parts of Bohemia in 1945. But more recently, the town has held a four-day festival devoted to the many forms of bagpipe blowing. You can get a sense of this variety at the stop-start opening procession, in which the enthusiastic players regularly pause for a toot, and take hours to cover the 1km to the castle.
Many of the musicians play in styles that might make one of Scotland’s famous pipers raise a surprised eyebrow. In 2006, when the biennial event last took place, the performers included a classical Austrian band with a singer and a Turkish ensemble accompanied by 25 high-speed traditional dancers.
Most of the action takes place in the 16th-century castle, which has a museum with the inevitable dudy display. Started in 1967 as part of the town’s 600th birthday celebrations, the festival has since been recognised by Unesco. The accompanying entertainment includes bagpipe sellers and obscenely cheap beer.
Level of Participation
2 – open your ears to the mighty pipe.
Essentials
Listen to The World’s Greatest Pipers Vol 1 to get you in the mood.
Other Local Attractions
Also in South Bohemia, Český Krumlov is like stepping into a fairy tale with its baroque chateau.
More Info: Visit the International Bagpipe Festival website.
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