Heresy Festival

A festival celebrating the courage to think differently

In the heart of the Biella valleys, the Heresy Festival is one of the most original cultural events in Northern Piedmont. Born in 2018 in Trivero, now part of the Municipality of Valdilana (Province of Biella), the festival stems from a simple and provocative idea: heresy, in its etymological sense, is choice—the ability to assert one's own truth by going against the grain. From this starting point, a collective reflection unfolds each year, weaving together philosophy, science, art, and spirituality.

The 2026 edition: the heresy of respect

The fifth edition, scheduled from May 7th to 10th, 2026, is dedicated to respect as a universal value: respect for oneself, for others, and for the planet. The common thread links the concept of heresy to that of respect, suggesting that consciously choosing one's own truth is also an act of respect. The central conference, titled "The Heresy of Respect," brings together speakers from the worlds of psychology, science, and theology.

A widespread cultural event

The Heresy Festival does not have a single venue; it unfolds across some of the most evocative locations in Valdilana and its surroundings. Meetings and performances animate the Sala Biagi in Valle Mosso, the parish church of Croce Mosso, the Cine Teatro Giletti in Ponzone, the Valdilana Hub, and the Santuario della Brughiera, one of the most beloved Marian sanctuaries in the Biella area. This itinerant format allows visitors to discover the local heritage while participating in the activities.

Conferences, theatre, music, and cinema

The program alternates between different registers: the conference-dialogue surrounding the documentary "Un altro mondo," the concert by the Cantate Domino Polyphonic Choir, theatrical performances by the Carovana company, the opening of the art exhibition "Time to be," and evening film screenings. It is a journey designed to engage a curious and attentive audience that loves to challenge its own certainties.

Organizers

The festival is promoted by the Il Prisma Cultural Association, in collaboration with Atelier - laboratorio di buone idee and the Carovana theatre company, and enjoys the patronage of the Municipality of Valdilana. A project that has successfully taken root in the Biella territory, bringing nationally renowned guests to a valley setting and proving that high culture can thrive even far from big cities.