Ecofor Fiabe
The festival weaving together literature, theatre, science, and the environment in Valdera
About Ecofor Fiabe
A festival weaving together fairy tales, science, and the environment
Ecofor Fiabe is a cultural event held in Pontedera, in the province of Pisa, in the heart of the Tuscan Valdera. In a very short time, it has established itself as one of the most original events in the region. The festival was born with a clear vision: to use the language of fairy tales and theatre to discuss nature, science, and environmental sustainability with children, teenagers, and their families. It is not just a simple schedule of shows, but a journey that weaves together literature, theatre, science, and art around a different theme each year.
Organisers and artistic direction
The festival is promoted by Ecofor Service Spa, a local company active in waste treatment and disposal that has chosen to invest in environmental awareness through culture. The artistic direction is entrusted to writer and playwright Francesco Niccolini, a well-known name in Italian narrative theatre, who builds each edition around poetic themes—such as clouds, wild nature, or trees—capable of bridging scientific rigour and wonder.
Ten municipalities of Valdera involved
One of the most interesting features of Ecofor Fiabe is its widespread nature: events are not concentrated in a single venue but reach ten municipalities in the province of Pisa, including Bientina, Buti, Calcinaia, Casciana Terme Lari, Cascina, Castelfranco di Sotto, Chianni, Fauglia, Ponsacco, and Pontedera. Pontedera remains the hub of the event, with main appointments hosted at Teatro Era, in Piazza Cavour, and at Spazio Civico 35, as well as in local libraries, gyms, and schools.
Shows, workshops, and eco-talks
The programme alternates between theatrical performances for children and teenagers, creative and musical workshops, interactive installations, and eco-talks with scientists, science communicators, and writers. Schools in Valdera are the protagonists: each edition involves thousands of students and hundreds of teachers, with performances dedicated to school classes and events open to families on weekends. All events are free of charge, though booking is recommended.
A destination for families and schools in Tuscany
Today, Ecofor Fiabe is a reference point for those in Tuscany seeking quality culture aimed at children that is also capable of engaging adults. The formula—free admission, local distribution, nationally renowned guests, and a strong environmental theme—makes it a virtuous example of how a company and the municipalities of Valdera can collaborate to bring theatre, science, and imagination to the youngest audiences.
Ecofor Fiabe — edition 2026
Ecofor Fiabe 2026: clouds and wild nature
The second edition of Ecofor Fiabe was held in Pontedera and nine other Valdera municipalities from January 28 to February 8, 2026, under the artistic direction of Francesco Niccolini. The two themes of the year—clouds and wild nature—served as the common thread for nearly fifty free events, including shows, workshops, eco-talks, and installations. The event involved approximately 2,500 students and 220 teachers from 36 schools, confirming its educational vocation.
In Pontedera, events were concentrated at Teatro Era, in Piazza Cavour, and at Spazio Civico 35, which hosted the interactive installation The Thundercloud throughout the festival. The festival concluded on Sunday, February 8, at Teatro Era with a final eco-talk between journalist and writer Concita De Gregorio and singer-songwriter Erica Mou.
Programme Ecofor Fiabe 2026
Wednesday, January 28 — Teatro Era, Pontedera
- 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM — Nella Pancia del Teatro, by and with Claudio Milani (ages 5-8)
- 6:00 PM — Theatre welcome workshop with Silvia Colle
Thursday, January 29 — Spazio Civico 35, Piazza Cavour
- 6:30 PM — Book presentation: Operazione Abissi
Friday, January 30 — Teatro Era
- 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM — Nella Pancia del Teatro
Saturday, January 31 — Pontedera
- 4:30 PM — Gronchi Library: Nuvole di Sogni e Desideri (ages 4-8)
- 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM — Marconcini Gym: interactive installation Piove Colore da Nuvole Bianche
- 6:30 PM — Marconcini Gym: eco-talk with meteorologist Serena Giacomin
Sunday, February 1 — Marconcini Gym
- 10:30 AM-12:30 PM and 4:30 PM-6:30 PM — Interactive installation
Monday, February 2 — Romito School
- 2:00 PM — Chef Orkestra, musical workshop by Guascone Teatro
Tuesday, February 3
- 9:30 AM — Teatro Era: Zanna Bianca della Natura Selvaggia (Inti, ages 8+)
- 2:00 PM — Romito School: Chef Orkestra
Wednesday, February 4
- 2:00 PM — Romito School: Chef Orkestra
- 4:30 PM — Gronchi Library: Teatro Botanico (ages 4-8)
Thursday, February 5
- 2:00 PM — Teatro Era: La Grande Foresta (Inti, ages 7+)
- 6:30 PM — Piazza Cavour: conversation Ginocchia Sbucciate e Mani Sporche
Friday, February 6 — Piazza Cavour
- 6:30 PM — Book presentation: La Nuvola
Saturday, February 7 — Pontedera
- 10:00 AM — Teatro Era: Goccia dopo Goccia (Teatro Giovani, ages 15+)
- 4:30 PM — Gronchi Library: Nuvole di Sogni e Desideri
Sunday, February 8 — Teatro Era
- 5:00 PM — Final eco-talk In mezzo a un milione di rane e di farfalle with Concita De Gregorio and Erica Mou
Permanent installation (January 28 - February 8)
Spazio Civico 35, Piazza Cavour: The Thundercloud — weekdays 4:30 PM-7:30 PM, weekends 10:30 AM-12:30 PM.
The programme also rotated through the other involved Valdera municipalities.
Highlights Ecofor Fiabe 2026
Prices Ecofor Fiabe 2026
Practical information — Ecofor Fiabe
Getting there
Pontedera is located in Valdera, in the province of Pisa. By train, it is served by the Pontedera-Casciana Terme station on the Florence-Pisa line; by car, it is easily accessible from the FI-PI-LI highway (Pontedera exit). The nearest airports are Pisa (Galileo Galilei) and Florence.
Main venues in Pontedera
Teatro Era, Piazza Cavour, and Spazio Civico 35, in addition to local libraries, gyms, and schools. Numerous events also take place in the other nine involved municipalities of Valdera.
Admission and booking
All events are free and open to the public. Booking is recommended by emailing [email protected] or calling +39 338 6442911.
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Where does it take place — Ecofor Fiabe
Teatro Era