Bimbinfesta – Childhood and Family Festival

A widespread festival for the little ones

Bimbinfesta – Childhood and Family Festival is a widespread event that transforms Polignano a Mare and surrounding municipalities into a vast space dedicated to children and their families every autumn. Created to give voice and centrality to childhood, the festival weaves together shows, workshops, storytelling, and educational experiences, taking culture for the little ones out of traditional venues and into squares, libraries, schools, and early childhood centers.

The festival is not concentrated in a single city but develops as a true territorial network: alongside Polignano a Mare, the heart of the project, it regularly involves Conversano, Monopoli, Valenzano, and the municipalities of the Putignano territorial area, including Putignano, Alberobello, Castellana Grotte, Locorotondo, and Noci. A model that turns the entire South-East Bari area in Apulia into a great "city of childhood".

The artistic direction of Oreste Castagna

The soul of the festival is Oreste Castagna, an actor, author, and presenter known to the little ones as a face of Rai Yoyo. His artistic direction gives Bimbinfesta a clear identity: theatrical performances, animated readings, songs, and workshops designed for the most delicate age group, from the first years of life up to preschool and primary school. Each edition revolves around an educational theme, addressed through the language of play and imagination.

More than just shows: an educating community

Bimbinfesta is promoted by the social cooperatives Imago, Itaca, and SoleLuna, with the support of the participating municipalities and the collaboration of local childhood services. The festival involves nurseries, preschools, community libraries, and associations, connecting thousands of children and dozens of educational institutions.

Alongside the shows for children, an important role is reserved for adults: training and reflection sessions are planned for parents, educators, teachers, and professionals on topics such as children's rights, the image of minors in the media, and educational continuity in the zero-to-six system.

When and where

The festival typically takes place in autumn, between October and November, with workshop activities that often continue in the following months. The venues change from year to year following the participating municipalities: squares, municipal libraries, schools, and family centers. In Polignano a Mare, a key reference point is the "Raffaele Chiantera" Community Library. The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced.