Halaesus - Cultural Festival

Halaesus, the story of a city through culture

Halaesus is the cultural festival that brings Civita Castellana to life every spring, located in the province of Viterbo, in the heart of the Tuscia area and the Lazio Region. Established in 2022, the event reached its fifth edition in 2026 and has established itself as one of the most anticipated cultural appointments on the city's calendar, capable of intertwining exhibitions, theater, music, conferences, and excursions into a single identity-focused journey.

The festival's name refers to Halaesus, the city's legendary founder according to tradition, and this is no coincidence: the stated goal is to enhance the history of Civita Castellana and the talent of the people who live there, returning the story of their roots to the community through the contemporary languages of culture.

A widespread and multidisciplinary program

From March 7 to April 11, 2026, the festival offers a rich and varied calendar, spanning several weeks and various venues in the historic center. Events range across different genres and disciplines:

• Photography exhibitions that tell the story of the city and its inhabitants;
• Theatrical performances, including itinerant and interactive shows through the alleys of the village;
• Concerts of classical and sacred music, often hosted in the city's churches;
• Conferences and meetings dedicated to art, history, and literature;
• Guided tours and excursions along the archaeological and naturalistic trails of the area.

The festival involves artists, scholars, associations, and citizens, transforming into a participatory experience where culture becomes a tool for cohesion and knowledge. All events are free of charge, confirming the project's inclusive vocation.

The event venues

Events take place in symbolic locations of Civita Castellana: the Portale d'Arte (housed in the former small prisons), the Church of San Gregorio, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore with its famous Cosmatesque portico, as well as the squares and alleys of the historic center. Some initiatives even extend beyond the urban perimeter, along the ancient Via Amerina, a Roman-era artery that crosses the Tuscia countryside.

Civita Castellana and Tuscia

Nestled on a tuff spur between deep gorges, Civita Castellana is the heir to ancient Falerii, capital of the Faliscan people. A city of ceramics and a crossroads of history, art, and archaeology, it offers an ideal setting for Halaesus: the festival thus becomes an invitation to discover a lesser-known but surprising corner of Lazio, amidst medieval heritage, popular traditions, and rock landscapes. The event is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, the Lazio Region, and the Province of Viterbo.