Festival Esistere - the other half

A festival that grows with the village

The Festival Esistere is one of the most recognizable cultural events of the summer in Corinaldo, a medieval village in the province of Ancona, in the Marche region. Born in 2023 with the name e-SISTER-e: the voice of women, the festival has brought writers, activists, and artists to the public square to reflect on the role of women in society, peace, and solidarity. Promoted by the Municipality of Corinaldo as part of the city's calendar of events, it has established itself as an event attentive to social issues and new forms of expression.

2026: the other half

In 2026, the review takes an important turn and becomes the other half: after giving a voice to women, the festival shifts its focus to the contemporary male universe, starting from the question "what does it mean to be a man?". It is a journey that attempts to portray a masculinity capable of accepting fragility, reinventing strength, and questioning itself, in an era where old models no longer fit and new ones are yet to be invented.

Encounters, debates, and comedy

The program combines different genres and formats: book presentations, round tables, and debates with writers and activists, workshops in schools, readings for children in the library, and stand-up comedy nights in the village clubs. Among the guests of the 'the other half' edition are well-known figures from Italian cultural debate, invited to discuss equality, language, and relationships. There are also moments dedicated to health and prevention, with screenings open to the public.

Venues in the historic center

The festival unfolds across the symbolic locations of Corinaldo's historic center: Piazza della Rotonda, the "Guido degli Sforza" Middle School, the Municipal Library, the small hall of the ACLI Club, and the Arci Pablo Neruda Club, which hosts the comedy nights. The events are spread over several weekends between May and June, accompanying the start of the warmer season in the village.

Corinaldo, among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy

Included in the circuit of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, Corinaldo is famous for its perfectly preserved medieval walls and the renowned Piaggia staircase. The Festival Esistere is part of a rich summer events calendar and represents an opportunity to discover the village in a cultural and participatory setting, with free admission inviting residents and visitors to take part in the dialogue.