Fabulando - Gianni Rodari Award
The literary and illustration award for schools dedicated to Gianni Rodari
About Fabulando
Fabulando, Gianni Rodari's Fairytale Land
Every year, the Municipality of Pieve Torina, a small village in the Macerata hinterland at the foot of the Sibillini Mountains in the Marche region, transforms into the fairytale land imagined by Gianni Rodari thanks to Fabulando, the literary and illustration award dedicated to the famous writer and pedagogue. Each edition involves dozens of schools from all over Italy and even from abroad, with hundreds of works created by children.
A Competition of Writing, Drawing, and Imagination
The heart of Fabulando is the competition aimed at schoolchildren, who can participate with works of various kinds: writing, drawing, comics, singing, and video. The works are judged by a jury and awarded during a grand ceremony held at Parco Rodari, Pieve Torina's green space enriched with sculptures inspired by Rodari's stories. The day thus combines the dimension of play and creativity with that of educational reflection.
Guests and Masterclasses
Alongside the awards, Fabulando offers meetings with authors, illustrators, and scholars of childhood. Over the years, the award has hosted writers, art directors, and protagonists of children's literature, complementing the morning ceremony with an afternoon masterclass dedicated to educational themes. The event is organized by the Municipality of Pieve Torina with the involvement of the Regional School Office for Marche and local educational institutions.
An Event for the Sibillini Village
For Pieve Torina and the entire Sibillini Mountains area, which was severely affected by the earthquake, Fabulando represents much more than a school competition: it is a moment of cultural rebirth and openness to the future, in which Gianni Rodari's imagination becomes a tool for growth for new generations. Initiatives linked to the award include exhibitions, performances, and the inauguration of new spaces dedicated to children's creativity.
Fabulando — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Fabulando celebrated the twentieth anniversary of the award dedicated to Gianni Rodari in Pieve Torina, Marche, with the theme 'The world 20 years ago, today, and in 20 years'. In the morning, the awards ceremony took place in the public gardens with about 250 children, hosted by Marco Moscatelli; in the afternoon, at 3:30 PM at the Palazzetto dello Sport, the masterclass was held with neuroscientist Daniela Lucangeli and illustrator Nicoletta Costa, dedicated to the emotional revolution of education. Donatella D'Amico, director of the Regional School Office for Marche, also participated in the event, along with Mayor Alessandro Gentilucci. About twenty schools from all over Italy and abroad, with delegations from Bolzano and Croatia, and over 150 works in the competition took part in this edition.
Programme Fabulando 2026
Morning: Awards ceremony in the public gardens with approximately 250 children, hosted by Marco Moscatelli.
Afternoon (3:30 PM, Palazzetto dello Sport): Masterclass 'The Wonder That Teaches: Educating Through Emotions, Play, and Creativity' with Daniela Lucangeli and Nicoletta Costa.
Exhibition: Illustrations by Nicoletta Costa featuring 'L'omino della pioggia' (The Rain Man), a character by Gianni Rodari, displayed at the museum and open to the public until June 7, 2026.
Highlights Fabulando 2026
- Twentieth edition, theme 'The world 20 years ago, today, and in 20 years'
- Masterclass with Daniela Lucangeli and Nicoletta Costa
- Approximately 250 children at the awards ceremony
- About twenty schools from Italy and abroad, over 150 entries
- Exhibition of 'L'omino della pioggia' until June 7, 2026
Prices Fabulando 2026
Practical information — Fabulando
Where it takes place
Fabulando is held in Pieve Torina (MC), in the Marche region, between Parco Rodari, the Palazzetto dello Sport, and the village's museum spaces. The awards ceremony usually takes place in the morning in the public gardens, while the masterclass with guests is scheduled for the afternoon.
How to get there
Pieve Torina can be reached by car from the SS77 della Val di Chienti, exit Muccia, continuing towards the Sibillini Mountains hinterland. The reference province is Macerata.
Admission
Participation in the events is free; for some meetings with limited seating, booking may be required.
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Where does it take place — Fabulando
Parco Rodari e Palazzetto dello Sport