Borgo Incantato
Edition 2026 Street theater Street arts Circus

Borgo Incantato

A magical night for children in the historic center of Tortoreto Alto

Tortoreto — Teramo (067) Since 2021
Dates 24 Jul โ€” 24 Jul 2026
Location Tortoreto (067)
Prices Free
Status Confirmed

About Borgo Incantato

Every summer, the historic center of Tortoreto Alto, in the province of Teramo, transforms into a 'Borgo Incantato' (Enchanted Village): an evening of magic, street performers, mascots, and shows designed for children and their families. Amidst the illuminated and decorated alleys of the medieval village, magicians, stilt walkers, jugglers, and fairy-tale characters come to life, creating an atmosphere suspended between dreams and wonder that draws large crowds every year.

A fairy tale in the alleys of Tortoreto Alto

The Borgo Incantato is one of the most beloved events of the Tortoreto summer. For one night, the historic center of Tortoreto Altoโ€”the medieval heart of the town of Tortoreto in the province of Teramoโ€”closes to traffic and lights up with colors and music, transforming into an enchanted world dedicated to children. Squares and alleys become the stage for a grand traveling festival, where every corner hides a show, a character, or a surprise.

What to see at Borgo Incantato

The concept is to guide families from one attraction to another, immersing them in a fairy-tale atmosphere. Strolling through the village houses, you will encounter:

  • magicians and illusionists with their prestige acts;
  • stilt walkers, fire-eaters, and jugglers along the streets;
  • circus performances, giant soap bubbles, and aerial silks;
  • cartoon mascots for children to take photos with;
  • themed scenery, with installations and balloon sculptures decorating squares and portals.

The evening usually concludes with a grand finale of music and baby dance that engages both young and old.

An event for the whole family

Organized by the Municipality of Tortoreto through the Tourism Department, Borgo Incantato is a free-entry event that is part of the rich summer calendar of Tortoreto, spanning both Tortoreto Alto and the Tortoreto Lido seafront. To facilitate participation for guests staying on the coast, a shuttle bus service is usually provided to connect the seafront with the historic center.

Tortoreto and its summer

Overlooking the Teramo coast, Tortoreto has a dual soul: the seaside charm of the Lido, with its long beach and the Sirena promenade, and the historical character of the upper village, perched on the hill and awarded the Blue Flag and Green Spike every year. Borgo Incantato highlights this medieval setting, offering families vacationing in Abruzzo a different kind of evening, away from the beach, amidst the stones and panoramas of the ancient village.

Borgo Incantato โ€” edition 2026

The 2026 edition of Borgo Incantato takes place on Friday, July 24, in the historic center of Tortoreto Alto. Welcoming guests from 6:30 PM with shows starting at 9:00 PM, featuring magicians, street artists, mascots, and themed scenery in a village transformed into a fairy-tale world. Free entry with shuttle service from the seafront.

For 2026, Borgo Incantato returns to Tortoreto Alto on Friday, July 24, during the same weekend as the 3rd Muretto Festival. The artistic direction is entrusted to Federico Branella. Public reception begins at 6:30 PM and the shows come to life from 9:00 PM, animating the alleys and squares of the historic center until late evening.

The village once again transforms into an enchanted world designed for children and their families, amidst luminous scenery, fairy-tale characters, and traveling shows.

Programme Borgo Incantato 2026

Friday, July 24, 2026 โ€” Historic center of Tortoreto Alto

  • From 6:30 PM โ€” Public reception and opening of the village
  • From 9:00 PM โ€” Start of traveling shows

Shows and attractions:

  • Grand illusions and magic by Mago Ivan
  • Stilt walkers and fire-eaters along the streets
  • Soap bubbles, circus acts, and juggling
  • Aerial silks
  • Performances by the Piccolo Coro Amadeus and Ritmica Aurea
  • Mascots roaming the village (Tigger, Winnie the Pooh, Bing, and a Smurf) for photos with children
  • Scenery with the Balloon Art Park, balloon sculptures created by Il Mondo Della Festa
  • Grand finale with Baby Dance

Highlights Borgo Incantato 2026

The grand illusions of Mago Ivan, cartoon mascots for photos with children, the Balloon Art Park, and the grand finale with baby dance.

Prices Borgo Incantato 2026

Free entry. A shuttle bus service is available from the Sirena seafront (Fisherman's Monument and Carducci roundabout) to the historic center of Tortoreto Alto.

Practical information — Borgo Incantato

Where

Historic center of Tortoreto Alto (Tortoreto Paese), province of Teramo, Abruzzo. Pedestrian access to the village is via the historic center gates.

Hours

Public reception begins in the late afternoon (around 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM); the main shows start in the evening. Free admission.

How to get there

By car: A14 Val Vibrata exit, then SS16 to Tortoreto Lido and the road to the upper village. By train: Alba Adriatica-Nereto-Controguerra or Giulianova station, then local bus connections. During the event, a free shuttle bus service usually operates from the Sirena seafront (Fisherman's Monument and Carducci roundabout) to the historic center.

Tips

Park at Tortoreto Lido and use the shuttle to avoid driving up to the village. Wear comfortable shoes for the sloping, cobbled streets.

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Where does it take place โ€” Borgo Incantato

Centro storico di Tortoreto Alto

Contact Borgo Incantato

Borgo Incantato in brief

Street theater Street arts Circus Magic Folk traditions Family Children Playful Outdoor Free Teramo

History of Borgo Incantato