Artmosfera Street Art Festival (Buskers Festival)

A street art festival in the heart of Artena

Artmosfera Street Art Festival, also known as the Buskers Festival, is the event that transforms the village of Artena, in the province of Rome and southern Lazio, into a vast open-air stage every autumn. For two days, the alleys, stairways, and small squares of the charming historic center fill with street artists from across Italy, ready to share their craft with residents and visitors alike.

The story: a festival in memory of Giako

Artmosfera was born as a tribute to Giacomo Roia, known as Giako, a street artist from Artena who passed away prematurely at just over thirty. Giako was famous for his crystal ball performances, which he would manipulate and make dance between his hands: the festival's name, Artmosfera, stems from this passion, combining the word Arte (Art) with sfera (sphere), the signature object of his poetic style. The event is organized by the Associazione Giako, founded by the artist's closest friends to preserve his memory and promote street art in his hometown.

A charitable, non-profit event

Artmosfera is a charitable, non-profit initiative: all performances are free to attend, and the event is sustained through the contributions of volunteers, supporters, and small fundraising campaigns. The first edition took place on October 5th and 6th, 2024, followed by the second on October 5th and 6th, 2025, cementing the event as a new autumn tradition for the town of Artena.

What to expect

The festival features roaming performances and fixed stages distributed throughout the town's medieval layout. Highlights include:

• Juggling and circus arts with clubs, hoops, and fire;
• Tightrope walking and balancing acts across alleys and squares;
• Live music and busker performances;
• Magic, mime, and soap bubbles, in keeping with Giako's spirit;
• Shows for families and children.

Artena and its village

The setting for the event is Artena, one of the most distinctive villages in Lazio, famous for being almost entirely pedestrianized: cars are left at the edge of town, and the alleys are explored on foot, climbing between stone houses and stairways. It is an ideal setting for a widespread festival, where every corner becomes a natural backdrop for a performance. The event is also a perfect opportunity to discover the hospitality and traditions of this Lepini Mountains region, just a short distance from Rome.