Argillà Italia - International Ceramics Festival

Argillà Italia, the heart of European ceramics beats in Faenza

There is a city in Emilia-Romagna whose name has entered the vocabulary of half the world: Faenza, in the Province of Ravenna, gave rise to the French term faïence, a synonym for majolica. It is not surprising, therefore, that one of Europe's most important ceramics festivals is held here every two years: Argillà Italia - International Ceramics Festival and Exhibition Market. Born in 2008 as an offshoot of the famous Argilla in Aubagne, France, the event has grown to become a highly anticipated event for enthusiasts, collectors, and the curious who come from all over Italy and abroad.

A historic center invaded by terracotta

For a long weekend, the streets and squares of Faenza's historic center are filled with stalls from over 200 selected ceramists from around the world. This is not just a simple market: each exhibitor brings their own research, tradition, and technique, from traditional majolica to contemporary designer ceramics, from raku to the most refined porcelain. Strolling among the stalls means taking a journey through different European and global ceramic schools, with the opportunity to speak directly with the artists and purchase unique pieces.

Guest Country and the international dimension

Each edition of Argillà dedicates a special focus to a Guest Country: for the 2026 edition, the spotlight will be on Austria, with Austrian ceramists featured in a dedicated space set up in the area in front of the MIC - International Museum of Ceramics. In past editions, the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) have held this role, among others, confirming the event's deeply international vocation.

Mondial Tornianti, firings, and live demonstrations

• Mondial Tornianti: the world championship of pottery wheel throwing, known as "The Potter's Gold," where masters race against the clock shaping clay in front of the public.
• Spectacular open-air firings: kilns fired in the street to showcase firing techniques live, from raku to traditional kilns.
• Demonstrations and workshops: artisans work with clay before visitors' eyes, while workshops and activities also involve children.

Exhibitions throughout the city

Argillà is not just a street event: during the festival, numerous official exhibitions animate the museums and public and private spaces of Faenza, starting with the MIC - International Museum of Ceramics, one of the most important ceramic collections in the world. Theaters, diocesan museums, institutions like ISIA, and exhibition spaces add to the itinerary, transforming the entire city into a large hub of art.

A free event for everyone

The exhibition-market along the streets of the historic center is free admission, making Argillà a perfect event for a family outing, for lovers of art craftsmanship, and for those who want to discover Faenza and Romagna on one of its most vibrant days. Organized by the MIC Foundation together with the Municipality of Faenza and the Italian Association of Ceramic Cities, Argillà Italia is now a benchmark for contemporary ceramics in the heart of Emilia-Romagna.