Festival degli Stonati

A singing competition that puts irony (and the audience) at the center

The Festival degli Stonati is one of the most beloved events of the summer in Corinaldo, in the province of Ancona, in the Marche region. It's not a talent show nor a showcase for flawless voices: it's an ironic and fun singing competition, where contestants take the stage in Piazza Il Terreno to try their hand at songs from the Italian light music repertoire. The spirit is one of lightheartedness and collective participation, where the courage to get involved matters more than perfect pitch.

The audience is the real judge

The formula that has won over the village is simple and ingenious: alongside a quality jury that handles the initial selection, it is the audience present in the square who decides the winner. This reversal of roles turns every evening into a village festival open to all, with applause, sing-alongs, and some surprising impromptu moments. The artistic direction, entrusted to Maestro Vittorio Saccinto, takes care of every detail to offer an original, never banal, and rich format of unexpected moments.

A tradition reborn

The festival was conceived in 1991 and repeated the following year, before returning to the Corinaldo scene after years of pause. It is organized by the Associazione culturale Teatro Time Produzione Spettacoli of Corinaldo, in collaboration with the Municipality of Corinaldo and Pro Corinaldo, thanks to the commitment of Andrea Mancini, Massimo Gradoni, Riccardo Piermattei, Vittorio Saccinto, and Cesare Morganti. The presentation is entrusted to Andrea Mancini, while the musical direction is curated by Maestro Giorgio Ferretti.

In the heart of one of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages

The event takes place in Corinaldo, recognized among the Borghi più Belli d'Italia (Most Beautiful Villages in Italy) and famous for its fifteenth-century walls and the evocative atmosphere of its historic alleys. The Festival degli Stonati is part of the Estate d'Incanto (Enchanting Summer) program, the summer review that brings music, shows, and traditions to the square. During the evening, Pro Corinaldo sets up a refreshment point for the audience, completing the experience with the flavors of Marche conviviality.

Why it's worth being there

• Free and open admission: an evening of fun for everyone.
• A unique format that blends singing competition, comedy, and audience participation.
• The scenic setting of Piazza Il Terreno in the historic center of Corinaldo.
• The opportunity to discover one of the most charming villages in the Marche region in a full summer atmosphere.