Acerra in Scena at the Castello dei Conti

The castle becomes a stage

For a few weeks each summer, the Castello dei Conti, the historic heart of Acerra in the Province of Naples, sheds its status as a mere monument and transforms into a grand open-air theatre. This is the soul of Acerra in Scena, the festival that brings prose, dance, and music to the inner courtyard of the medieval fortress, one of the city's most iconic landmarks. With chairs arranged beneath the walls, a stage set against the centuries-old stone, and an audience filling the space every evening, it reflects a simple and direct way of experiencing culture: free, popular, and deeply rooted in the local area.

A festival of the territory, for the territory

The event is promoted by the Cooperativa Sociale Pulcinella ETS, an Acerra-based organization linked to the tradition of the Pulcinella mask, with the patronage of the Municipality of Acerra and the support of the Campania Region as part of its regional cultural initiatives. The lineup primarily showcases local companies and artists: amateur and semi-professional groups, dance schools, and theatre and musical associations that find here a high-quality showcase in a prestigious setting.

Neapolitan theatre, dance, and concerts

The programme is multidisciplinary by nature. Alongside the great tradition of Neapolitan comedy—from Eduardo to reinterpretations of classics like Miseria e Nobiltà—there is room for classical and modern dance performances by local schools, evenings of civic and social theatre, and concerts that often coincide with the Festa della Musica in late June. The result is a mosaic that speaks to a broad, intergenerational audience, from families to the youth.

Why it is worth visiting

Beyond the individual performances, the value of Acerra in Scena lies in returning the castle to the community as a vibrant gathering space during the summer season. It is an opportunity to discover Acerra's historical heritage while enjoying a show, to support local artistic talent, and to experience summer evenings outdoors in the historic centre, all without the cost of a ticket. It is an important pillar of the cultural offering in the metropolitan area of Naples.