The “Zampognari di Boiano,” a group of bagpipe players, returned to the Vatican to greet Pope Francis. In the past, John Paul II and Benedict XVI have enjoyed their popular music.
They play the Molise bagpipe, an ancient musical instrument. Their melodies are the most frequently heard in Italy every Christmas.
ANTONIO ROMANO
“Zampognari di Boiano”
“This year the pope wrote that beautiful apostolic letter on the significance and value of the Nativity scene. He remembered it today during the audience. He says there are many elements in the scene. He invites us to set up the Nativity at home, to live this tradition as a family.”
That's why they say this Christmas, their folkloric popular music takes on a special significance. They even asked to greet the pope to tell him.
ANTONIO ROMANO
“Zampognari di Boiano”
“I told him, 'Holiness, we are like the shepherds from the Nativity scene. We are in the Nativity scene, and with this instrument, with this sweet and ancient melody, we announce the joy of Christmas.' He said, 'Very good, keep it up!'.”
That's because they have a very important mission: to rescue the bagpipe as a symbol of Italian culture.
