Adriatica Cabaret National Festival

Lanciano's festival of laughter

The Adriatica Cabaret National Festival is a comedy and cabaret event held every summer in Lanciano, in the heart of the Chieti province, in Abruzzo. Established in the early 2000s, the event is organized by the Adriatica Cabaret Performance Association and has carved out a significant place for itself among the region's summer festivities, attracting comedians, cabaret performers, and emerging talent from various Italian regions.

A national competition and star guests

The heart of the festival is a national cabaret competition, where a jury of entrepreneurs, journalists, and entertainment industry professionals awards the festival's prestigious prizes, the Golden Dolphin (Delfino d'Oro) and the Silver Dolphin (Delfino d'Argento). Alongside the contestants, well-known faces from Italian comedy and television take the stage to treat the audience to sketches, monologues, and moments of pure fun.

The setting: Piazza d'Armi delle Torri Montanare

The evenings take place outdoors in the historic Piazza d'Armi delle Torri Montanare, one of the most picturesque spots in Lanciano, dominated by ancient walls and towers that tell the story of the city's medieval past. In case of bad weather, the shows are moved indoors to the modern Lancianofiera complex, in Hall 3 in the Iconicella district.

Entertainment and conviviality

The festival is about more than just laughter: each evening opens with a complimentary tasting open to the public, combining entertainment with social gathering and the promotion of local products. This simple, tried-and-tested formula has made Adriatica Cabaret a beloved event for families and comedy fans throughout Abruzzo.

A signature event for Lanciano

With the patronage of the Abruzzo Region and the Municipality of Lanciano, the event helps enliven the summer nights of the Frentano city and promotes the area through the culture of live performance. Each year, the artistic direction curates a program that balances established names with new promises, keeping a tradition alive that has lasted for over two decades.