Baracche d'Estate

A tradition brought to life under the stars of Tortona

Baracche d'Estate is the summer figure theatre festival that brings the city of Tortona, in the heart of the Alessandria province, Piedmont, to life. Part of the city's broader "Estate di Eventi" (Summer of Events) calendar, the festival celebrates one of the most beloved and deeply rooted popular arts in the Tortona area: puppetry and marionettes. The evenings take place outdoors in evocative locations around the municipality and its hamlets, offering performances for all ages in a genuine, family-friendly atmosphere.

The legacy of Peppino Sarina

The festival is curated by the Associazione Peppino Sarina, founded in Tortona in 1991 and dedicated to the great puppeteer Giuseppe "Peppino" Sarina (1884-1978). For decades, the association has been involved in the study, research, and preservation of the history of figure theatre, with a particular focus on the heritage of the Tortona area and the families of puppeteers who shaped its history. Thanks to their tireless work, a tradition that risked disappearing continues to live on and be passed down to new generations.

The 2026 program

The 2026 edition consists of four evening appointments, with shows starting at 9:15 PM:

• July 8 — Cortile dell'Annunziata: Fagiolino al mare
• July 17 — Vho Hamlet: Varietà Prestige
• July 24 — Chalet Castello: Meneghino e il castello di Tremarello
• July 30 — Cortile dell'Annunziata: Arlecchino e il mistero del castello

The traditional masks of Italian figure theatre return to the stage: from the Piedmontese Gianduja to the Bolognese Fagiolino, from the Milanese Meneghino to the ever-present Arlecchino, all protagonists of comic and adventurous stories that entertain audiences of all ages.

An experience for the whole family

Baracche d'Estate is designed primarily for families and children, but it also captivates adults thanks to the timeless charm of the puppet booth. The shows are free to attend, subject to availability, and are held outdoors on summer evenings. The setting of the Cortile dell'Annunziata in Tortona's historic centre, and the more rustic atmosphere of the Vho hamlet, make every appointment a special event to be enjoyed together.

Tortona and the culture of figure theatre

The Tortona area boasts one of Italy's most important traditions in the field of figure theatre. In addition to Baracche d'Estate, the Associazione Peppino Sarina organizes other festivals such as "Assoli" and the travelling festival "Burattini Marionette Pupazzi", and guards a precious heritage of heads, booths, scripts, and historical materials. Visiting Tortona during the festival means immersing yourself in an authentic piece of Piedmontese popular culture.