Baracca e Burattini

A summer of theatre for families

Baracca e Burattini is one of the most beloved children's theatre festivals in Emilia-Romagna, a widespread event that for over twenty years has brought puppetry to the squares and courtyards of the province of Reggio Emilia. Curated by the Associazione Culturale 5T, the festival involves about fifteen municipalities in the area every summer, including Quattro Castella, with a rich calendar of evening events designed for children and their families.

Puppets, marionettes, and puppetry

The heart of the festival is puppetry in its many forms: glove puppets, marionettes, storytelling, actor's theatre, and shows that mix different languages. The masks of Emilian and Italian popular tradition return to the stage, from Fagiolino to Sandrone, from Pulcinella to Arlecchino, alongside reinterpretations of classic fairy tales and contemporary creations by the best companies on the national scene.

Events in Quattro Castella

In the Municipality of Quattro Castella, at the foot of the Matildic lands, the shows are held in the outdoor spaces of the hamlets, particularly at the Centro Sociale I Boschi in Puianello. Evenings generally begin after sunset, transforming courtyards and community centers into small open-air theatres, with free admission for everyone.

A widespread festival across the Reggio Emilia area

Baracca e Burattini is a travelling festival that crosses numerous municipalities in the province of Reggio Emilia, in Emilia-Romagna: in addition to Quattro Castella, Albinea, Bibbiano, Sant'Ilario d'Enza, Campegine, Canossa, Cavriago, Montecchio Emilia, Novellara, San Martino in Rio, San Polo d'Enza, Scandiano, Vezzano sul Crostolo, and Rubiera regularly participate. This network of municipalities makes the event a true shared cultural heritage of the territory.

A recognized cultural project

Recognized by the Ministry of Culture and supported by the Emilia-Romagna Region and local partners such as Coop Alleanza 3.0, the festival is the result of the many years of work by the Associazione 5T, which has been active for over twenty years in cultural planning and promotion in Reggio Emilia with specific expertise in children's theatre. More than just a festival, Baracca e Burattini is an opportunity for community: a way to bring families back to the squares on summer evenings, for play, wonder, and culture.