Donna in Ovindoli

A women-focused festival on the Marsica plateau

Donna in Ovindoli is a cultural festival that, during the first days of August, transforms the villages of the Municipality of Ovindoli into open-air literary salons. Set on the Altopiano delle Rocche, in the heart of the Marsica region in the province of L'Aquila, the event is entirely dedicated to the female universe, exploring its many facets through meetings, conversations, readings, and testimonies. The initiative was born from an idea by Augusto Di Bastiano, president of the Centro Giuridico del Cittadino, in collaboration with the Municipality of Ovindoli, and has established itself as one of the most cherished cultural events of the Ovindoli summer.

Three villages, a cultural and sensory itinerary

The hallmark of the festival is its traveling nature: each day takes place in a different village within the municipal territory, highlighting not only the themes discussed but also the architectural and landscape heritage of inland Abruzzo. The hamlets of Santa Jona and San Potito, along with the historic center of Ovindoli, take turns hosting the meetings, set up in evocative salons nestled among ancient walls, small squares, and natural vistas. Each stop addresses a different aspect of the female experience, weaving together history, the body, spirituality, and creativity.

Themes: history, health, wellness, and art

The festival's conversations range from the role of women in the Middle Ages to physical and mental health, as well as the female contribution to the art world. There are also sessions on literature, the environment, volunteering, and female entrepreneurship, featuring writers, artists, researchers, athletes, and professionals sharing their personal stories. The events, which also include musical performances, combine deep cultural insight with moments of entertainment and conviviality in an informal, inclusive atmosphere.

A local project

Supported by the municipal administration of Ovindoli and the Centro Giuridico del Cittadino, Donna in Ovindoli is part of the broader summer calendar of the Municipality, which offers numerous cultural initiatives throughout the villages and parks of the plateau during the summer season. The festival is an opportunity to rediscover the small towns of the Marsica region in a new light, combining tourism promotion for the Abruzzo territory with reflection on highly relevant social and cultural themes.

Practical information

Meetings take place in the late afternoon in the historic centers of the three locations and are generally free to attend. For the detailed program and daily schedules, it is recommended to consult the official channels of the Municipality of Ovindoli.