Eterocromo Festival

A festival that brings disciplines together

Eterocromo Festival debuts in 2026 as a new cultural series dedicated to the intersection of theatre, literature, music, and visual arts. The venue is the Teatro Chisciotte in Montecelio, a historic village in the municipality of Guidonia Montecelio, within the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Lazio. The festival's name reflects the idea of a dual perspective—different colours coexisting—a statement of intent for a project that rejects disciplinary boundaries in favour of dialogue.

Artistic direction and identity

The festival is under the artistic direction of Mario Eleno and coordinated by Sergio Fedeli. The approach is that of an open space for reflection: the organisers aimed to provide the local community with a meeting point for different languages, believing that culture is a fundamental driver of collective growth. Rather than a large-scale event, it offers a curated programme where every session is designed to foster a direct connection between the stage and the audience.

The Teatro Chisciotte, the heart of the festival

All events take place at the Teatro Chisciotte on via Trasciani in Montecelio. This small neighbourhood theatre has become a cultural landmark for the village in recent years, hosting readings, presentations, civic initiatives, and charity evenings. Its limited capacity is part of the experience: the proximity between artists and the audience is what gives Eterocromo its unique, recognisable character.

Between the written page and the stage

The programme for the inaugural edition alternates between book presentations and live performances. Literary encounters go beyond the classic author-moderator format; they are built around civic themes—writing as an act of commitment, human rights, and contemporary conflicts—featuring scholars, writers, and activists. The performance segment, which closes the festival, weaves together live music, storytelling, and stage presence into a cohesive narrative.

Montecelio and the Tiburtine area

Montecelio is the ancient village that, alongside Guidonia, gives its name to the municipality of Guidonia Montecelio, one of the most populous in Lazio after Rome. Perched on a hill overlooking the Aniene valley, it retains its medieval layout, the fortress, and panoramic views stretching from the Cornicolani Mountains to the Roman Countryside. The area is part of the Tiburtine region, just a few kilometres from Tivoli and its UNESCO World Heritage villas: visitors can easily combine the festival with a trip to the historic centre or a hike in the surrounding hills.

Why it is worth visiting

• A multidisciplinary programme in an intimate setting, far from the busy circuits of major Roman festivals.
• Engaging meetings with authors on civic and contemporary issues, with ample space for public debate.
• A closing performance that blends music, storytelling, and stagecraft.
• The chance to discover a historic village in Lazio that is often overlooked by mainstream tourism.

As this is the festival's first edition, capacity is limited and booking is highly recommended for all events.