Festival of Games
The gaming festival that brings the historic center of Ceglie Messapica to life
About Festival of Games
A festival where we rediscover the joy of play
The Festival of Games is one of the most beloved summer events in Ceglie Messapica, a town in the Itria Valley in the province of Brindisi, Puglia. Established in 2006 and now in its twenty-first edition, the festival transforms the historic center for four days into an immense open-air playground, where alleys, squares, and open spaces become the stage for games, tournaments, processions, and concerts.
The idea driving it all is simple yet powerful: to restore the value of meeting through play. It is not a paid amusement park, but an entire community coming together to play, regardless of age. The APS Casarmonica, with the patronage of the Municipality of Ceglie Messapica, builds this large, widespread play laboratory every year.
Wooden games, traditions, and popular challenges
The heart of the festival is "The City that Plays": in the late afternoon, the historic center fills with game stations managed by associations, artisans, and volunteers. There are handmade wooden games, archery, ancient games, movement activities, creative and circus workshops, and animated readings. Everything is designed so that everyone can test themselves, learn, and have fun side by side.
Alongside free play, there are the great Ceglie traditions: the Human Chessboard, Human Table Football, the Great Tug-of-War, the Grand Prix of Carts along a city circuit, and the unmissable Palio della Cuccagna (Greasy Pole contest), which closes the event in celebration. Each edition kicks off with the evocative Procession of the Little People, which winds through the historic center to Piazza Plebiscito.
Live music in the squares
The festival evenings light up with live music: concerts by bands from the Apulian and national scene enliven Piazza Sant'Antonio and other spaces in the center, featuring folk, swing, and contemporary rhythms. The music accompanies and extends the day of play, turning every evening into a collective party.
A free festival for everyone
One of the distinctive features of the Festival of Games is that it is completely free: participation in all games and activities is open to everyone. It is a deeply participatory and inclusive event, built with the contribution of schools, associations, scout groups, sports clubs, and citizens. Each edition revolves around a theme that guides its spirit, from community focus to, in the 2026 edition, the inclusion of diverse abilities.
For those visiting the Itria Valley in summer, the Festival of Games is the ideal opportunity to discover Ceglie Messapica, its whitewashed historic center, and its hospitality, immersing oneself in an atmosphere of authentic, unfiltered celebration.
Festival of Games — edition 2026
The twenty-first edition of the Festival of Games returns to Ceglie Messapica from July 30 to August 2, 2026, with the theme "Abilmente diversi": an edition dedicated to inclusion and the ability of each person to use their own skills to overcome barriers and achieve their goals.
The event is organized by APS Casarmonica, with the patronage of the Municipality of Ceglie Messapica and the artistic direction of Mirko Lodedo. As per tradition, the historic center becomes a large shared playground for four days, with intergenerational activities, popular challenges, and free evening concerts. Participation in all games and activities is free.
Programme Festival of Games 2026
Thursday, July 30 — Inauguration
- In the evening, Procession of the Little People and opening ceremony in Piazza Plebiscito, adapted this year by Giuseppe Ciciriello with the participation of Silvio Gioia and local associations
- Followed by community games and French dances
Friday, July 31 — The City that Plays
- In the afternoon, outdoor games in the alleys and squares of the historic center, intergenerational activities, and the new games of the "Ludovico Workshop"
- Human Table Football tournament
- Traditional "Il Mozzica Fave" competition by Felice Suma
- In the evening, live concert by Abbasc and swing in the square
Saturday, August 1
- In the afternoon, "The City that Plays" continues
- Baskin (inclusive basketball) match by APS Terzo Tempo and Messapica Basket
- Great Tug-of-War and French circle dances
- Concert by Bandadriatica celebrating their twentieth anniversary
Sunday, August 2 — Grand Finale
- Grand Prix of Carts along the city circuit
- The Craziest Relay Race in the World by Atletica Ceglie Messapica
- Concert by Carlo Poddighe Superego (one-man rock band)
- Palio della Cuccagna to close the event
Highlights Festival of Games 2026
Prices Festival of Games 2026
Practical information — Festival of Games
Where
The festival takes place in the historic center of Ceglie Messapica (72013), in the province of Brindisi: activities animate Piazza Plebiscito, Piazza Sant'Antonio, Via San Rocco, the Belvedere Monterrone, and the surrounding alleys.
How to get there
By car: Ceglie Messapica can be reached via the SS7 Appia and the provincial roads of the Itria Valley; it is located about 35 km from Brindisi and 40 km from Taranto. By train: the nearest stations are those of the Ferrovie del Sud Est (Martina Franca–Francavilla Fontana line). Nearest airports: Brindisi-Salento and Bari-Palese.
Admission
Participation in all games and activities is free and open to all.
Tips
Activities are concentrated in the late afternoon and evening, when the summer heat is milder. Comfortable shoes and light clothing are ideal for moving through the alleys of the historic center.
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Where does it take place — Festival of Games
Centro storico