Chapifest – Social Circus Festival

Chapifest: Social Circus in the Heart of Palermo

Chapifest is a social circus festival held every spring in the Danisinni district, a vibrant working-class neighborhood nestled in the historic center of Palermo, the capital of Sicily. The event takes place under the big top of the Chapitô Danisinni, set up inside the district's social farm, right next to the small church of Sant'Agnese, the contemporary art museum, and the local playground.

An Urban Regeneration Project

The Chapitô was established in 2019 as part of an artistic, cultural, and social regeneration effort in the Danisinni district—an area long considered a neglected suburb that has since become a symbol of community wealth. The project, curated by the Collettivo Chapitô in collaboration with the Insieme per Danisinni association, uses circus arts as a tool to promote inclusion, core values, and active participation among local residents.

Shows and Disciplines

Throughout the event, the audience enjoys a multidisciplinary program spanning various contemporary circus arts:

• Aerial acrobatics on rope and fabric
• Juggling and technical acts
• Clowning and comedy theater
• Fire shows
• Live music, brass bands, and DJ sets

The festival hosts international companies alongside Sicilian artists and provides a stage in the 'Young' section for local youths who have participated in workshops throughout the year.

A Celebration for Families and Children

Chapifest is designed for both adults and children. The final day is traditionally dedicated to families, featuring shows for all ages, a play area, picnics, and visits to the social farm. For the little ones, the neighborhood also opens its library and the vegetable garden of Parco Sant'Agnese, creating an atmosphere filled with color, music, acrobatics, and conviviality.

A Local Landmark

Having become a highly anticipated event in Palermo's calendar over the years, Chapifest tells the story of a Sicily that regenerates itself through culture. The Municipality of Palermo and the Province see the Danisinni district as a community laboratory where the circus serves as art, play, and social commitment all in one.