Arzibanda Festival

Arzibanda, the artistic heart of the Marsica region

The Arzibanda Festival is one of the most deeply rooted cultural events in central Abruzzo. Since 1997, it has enlivened the historic center of Capistrello every summer—a small town in the province of L'Aquila nestled in the Liri Valley, on the edge of the Fucino plain. For three days, usually in July, Piazza Lusi and the village alleys fill with colors, lights, performances, and aromas, turning into a true open-air theater.

Street art, fire, and acrobatics

The hallmark of Arzibanda is its dedication to street arts: jugglers, fire artists, acrobats, trapeze artists, mimes, and circus troupes perform along the town's streets, engaging the audience with shows designed for both adults and children. Over the years, the festival has hosted performers not only from Italy but also from abroad, confirming an international program despite the intimate size of the village.

Live music and folklore

Alongside the street performances, the beating heart of the event is music: artists and bands, both local and international, take the stage, accompanying the evenings until late at night. The festival weaves traditional Abruzzese folk music with more contemporary offerings, also giving space to singer-songwriters and local sounds.

Street food and conviviality

Gastronomy is another major highlight: street food stalls offer local specialties and traditional Marsican dishes, inviting the public to discover the flavors of the area. The festive and convivial atmosphere, designed to rediscover the pleasure of being together, is what makes Arzibanda an eagerly awaited event for the entire valley.

A festival for the community

Organized by the Arzibanda Association under the artistic direction of Alessandro Fantauzzi, the festival was created with the intent of breathing new life into the historic center of Capistrello and bringing people closer to culture, music, and theater. The association also promotes a winter event, Arzibanda Winter, which brings art and music to the village alleys in December. For inland Abruzzo, Arzibanda represents a model of grassroots cultural regeneration, capable of attracting visitors and showcasing one of the most vibrant villages in the Marsica region.