Bagpipers play at Olympic curling in homage to sports Scottish heritage but theyre Italian
3 minute readPublished: Friday, February 20, 2026 at 6:58 pm
Italian Bagpipers Bring Scottish Tradition to Olympic Curling
CORTINA DAMPEZZO, Italy – The Milan Cortina Winter Games are showcasing a unique blend of cultures, with an Italian pipe band taking center stage at the Olympic curling medal ceremonies. The Cateaters Pipe Band, hailing from northeastern Italy, is providing the traditional Scottish bagpipe music meant to honor the sport's heritage.
The band's performance marks a significant milestone for the Cateaters, whose previous engagements were primarily local, including concerts, ballet performances, and regional ceremonies. The band members, dressed in kilts and glengarry caps, are thrilled to perform for a global audience. Marianna Spadarotto, the band's lone female member, expressed both excitement and nervousness about the experience.
Despite their Italian origins, the Cateaters are dedicated to preserving the authenticity of Scottish bagpipe music. They emphasize that they do not add Italian flair to the traditional tunes. Luca Eze, a bagpipe player, began his musical journey on the zampogna, a similar instrument common in central and southern Italy. Mauro Fortuna, another band member, started playing Scottish music in 2008.
Curling, believed to have originated in Scotland, has a rich history dating back to the sixteenth century. The sport's origins are rooted in Scotland, where organized curling clubs first emerged.
The Cateaters' performance has been well-received by spectators, including those waving Scottish flags to support the British curling team. Cristian Negro, a snare drummer, noted that playing Scottish music has provided him with numerous performance opportunities, including the Olympics.
BNN's Perspective: This heartwarming story highlights the global appeal of the Olympics and the power of music to transcend cultural boundaries. While the tradition of bagpipes at curling events is rooted in Scottish heritage, the Cateaters' performance demonstrates the universal language of music and the ability of individuals to embrace and celebrate different cultures.
Keywords: Olympic curling, bagpipes, Italian, Scottish heritage, Cateaters Pipe Band, Milan Cortina Winter Games, music, culture, sports, curling, Italy, Scotland, tradition, performance, Olympics.