by InTrieste
For ten days this summer, the whisper of bagpipes, the thunder of tribal drums, and the scent of woodsmoke and heather will once again descend on the verdant hills of Trieste. The beloved Triskell Festival—Italy’s premier celebration of Celtic music and culture—returns for its milestone 25th edition, running from June 20 to 29 at the Boschetto del Ferdinandeo.
First launched in 2000, Triskell has grown from a niche gathering of Celtic culture aficionados into a landmark event on Italy’s cultural calendar. The festival, now in its silver anniversary year, promises a particularly rich and diverse program, with hundreds of artists, artisans, and attendees expected to descend on the northeastern city, nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the Slovenian border.
The 2025 edition was officially presented Monday at a press conference held at Trieste’s Oriental Art Museum. Present were Giorgio Rossi, Trieste’s Councillor for Culture and Tourism; Paolo Polidori, the mayor of nearby Muggia; and Elisabetta Sulli, president of the organizing association Uther Pendragon.
“This is a festival that has carved out its place not only in the cultural life of Trieste, but also in the hearts of thousands who return year after year to rediscover a world of myths, nature, and community,” said Rossi.
This year’s festival features nine additional itinerant events, extending Triskell’s reach beyond its woodland core to surrounding neighborhoods and towns. Workshops, lectures, and historical reenactments allow visitors to engage with the traditions of the ancient Celts, while younger attendees can participate in hands-on activities tailored for families and children.
Yet the heart of Triskell remains its music. Dozens of performances from across the Celtic diaspora—including artists from Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, Galicia, and beyond—form the backbone of the festival, drawing visitors from Italy and neighboring countries like Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia.
Organizers say the festival emphasizes “conscious and quality tourism”—an ethos reflected in its earthy setting and its commitment to sustainability, education, and intercultural exchange.
With its combination of ancient ritual and modern revelry, Triskell continues to enchant audiences of all ages—proof that the Celtic spirit is alive and well, even on the shores of the Adriatic.
More here: celticevents.org – Triskell Celtic Festival
