Festival Direction Europe Kids
The morning for boys and girls of the Direction Europe Festival, with animated readings in English and workshops on peace
About Direction Europe Kids
A European Festival for Children
The Direction Europe Kids Festival is the heart dedicated to childhood of the larger Direction Europe Festival, an event that the Municipality of Cavriago organizes every spring around Europe Day on May 9th. While the festival as a whole spans the entire day with meetings, exhibitions, and shows for all ages, the morning is entirely designed for boys and girls: a concrete and gentle way to introduce children to the European values of peace, dialogue, and coexistence between different cultures.
Where it Takes Place
The reference point is the Multiplo Centro Cultura, at via della Repubblica 23 in Cavriago, in the heart of the province of Reggio Emilia, in Emilia-Romagna. The Multiplo is the town's library and cultural center, a bright and welcoming space that transforms into a small village of stories, signs, and words during the festival. Activities also extend to the adjacent historic park when the weather permits.
Readings, Workshops, and English Language
The offering for children revolves around three ingredients: animated readings in English, artistic and storytelling workshops, and the common thread of peace. The readings are curated and animated by professors and students from the Department of Education and Human Sciences at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, who guide children on a journey of stories, illustrations, and new words. It's an opportunity to discover English in a playful way and to reflect, at their level, on what friendship, welcome, and respect mean.
A Free and Participatory Event
The Direction Europe Kids Festival has free admission: for some activities, particularly the animated readings and workshops, booking is required due to limited availability. The event is promoted by the Municipality of Cavriago in collaboration with local organizations and the university, and is part of the widespread calendar of events for Europe Day in the province of Reggio Emilia.
Direction Europe Kids — edition 2026
The fourth edition of the Direction Europe Festival took place in Cavriago on Saturday, May 16, 2026, with an entire day dedicated to the languages of peace, solidarity, and cooperation. The morning session was designed for boys and girls, featuring animated readings in English, "Stories for a happy, peaceful world," curated by Annalisa Sezzi, conducted by professors and students from the Department of Education and Human Sciences at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.
During the day, the artistic and storytelling workshop "Burattino di Pace" (Puppet of Peace) by the Famiglia Sarzi Foundation was also held, aimed at children aged 5 to 10. Meanwhile, the traveling exhibition "Lettere al Cielo" (Letters to the Sky), which gave voice to the children of Gaza through their works, remained open at the Multiplo.
Programme Direction Europe Kids 2026
Saturday, May 16, 2026 — Multiplo Centro Cultura
Morning (Kids section)
- 10:00 AM — Workshop meeting "Parole di Pace" (Words of Peace) with Stefano Merzi (School of Peace of Monte Sole)
- Animated readings in English "Stories for a happy, peaceful world", curated by Annalisa Sezzi with professors and students from the Department of Education and Human Sciences of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia
- Artistic and storytelling workshop "Burattino di Pace" (Puppet of Peace) (Famiglia Sarzi Foundation), for boys and girls aged 5 to 10
Afternoon and Evening (General festival program)
- 4:30 PM — Gianluca Costantini and Carlo Branzaglia: "Aggiustare il mondo: cronache visive di conflitti e diritti" (Fixing the World: Visual Chronicles of Conflicts and Rights)
- 6:00 PM — Inauguration of the memorial plaque dedicated to Palestinian victims
- 9:00 PM — "Teatro dell'oppresso – una comunità orgogliosa" (Theater of the Oppressed – A Proud Community) (Arcigay Gioconda)
Exhibition
- "Lettere al Cielo" (Letters to the Sky) — traveling exhibition with works by children from Gaza, open from May 16 to 30
Highlights Direction Europe Kids 2026
Prices Direction Europe Kids 2026
Practical information — Direction Europe Kids
Where
Multiplo Centro Cultura, via della Repubblica 23, 42025 Cavriago (RE), Emilia-Romagna. Activities may extend to the adjacent historic park.
How to Get There
Cavriago is located a few kilometers west of Reggio Emilia. By car from the A1 highway, take the Reggio Emilia exit, then head towards Cavriago. By train to Reggio Emilia and then continue by local bus. Parking is available near the center.
Admission and Booking
Free admission. Booking is recommended or required for animated readings and workshops (limited places).
Contacts
Multiplo Centro Cultura, tel. +39 0522 373466, email [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Direction Europe Kids
Multiplo Centro Cultura
Via della Repubblica 23, 42025 Cavriago