Il Cancello delle Favole

A children's theatre festival in the heart of the Castellone village

Il Cancello delle Favole is the national theatre festival for children and families that brings Formia, in the province of Latina, Southern Lazio, to life every summer. Founded in 2013 by the Teatro Bertolt Brecht, a historic Formia-based company active for decades in puppetry and children's productions, the festival has chosen the Cancello di Castellone—the ancient gateway to the medieval quarter that gives the event its name—as its natural home.

In 2026, the festival reached its 13th edition, confirming its status as one of the most anticipated events of the cultural summer in the Gulf of Gaeta and the southern Pontine area.

The village as a widespread stage

The formula of Il Cancello delle Favole is that of a 'widespread festival': performances do not take place in a single hall, but in the most evocative corners of the town. The Cancello di Castellone square hosts evening shows under the stars; the alleys and small squares of the Borgo di Castellone become the route for a narrative treasure hunt; the Caposele marina pier is the departure point for boat-based readings; and the holm oaks of the Canale di Maranola host afternoon storytelling sessions immersed in nature. It is a choice that showcases Formia in its entirety, from the sea to the hills, allowing families to discover corners of the city that often remain off the beaten tourist path.

The programme

Each day follows a recognizable structure, designed to accompany children from morning to night:

• 9:00 AM — Fairy Tales at Sea: boat-based readings of stories inspired by the marine world, departing from the Caposele pier.
• 5:00 PM — Fairy Tales in the Grove: listening and imagination under the holm oaks of the Canale di Maranola.
• 7:00 PM — Workshops: clay, theatre, and quiet animated readings also dedicated to the 0-3 age group.
• 9:00 PM — Evening performance at the Cancello di Castellone, featuring professional Italian companies.

The stage features prominent national children's theatre companies: in recent years, Formia has hosted the Teatro Verde of Rome, Compagnia 3 Giga, Matuta Teatro, and Florian Teatro, alongside productions by the host company itself. The repertoire draws from classic fairy tales—The Pied Piper, Little Red Riding Hood, The Tale of the Three Oranges—reinterpreted with contemporary languages, puppets, live acting, and music.

A cultural project, not just a festival

Il Cancello delle Favole is part of the Officine Culturali project of the Lazio Region and the interregional Marameo festival circuit, with recognition from the Ministry of Culture for puppetry and the patronage of the Municipality of Formia. Alongside the performances, the festival traditionally offers free days of theatre school for young people: the stated goal is not just to provide summer entertainment, but to build a conscious audience by accustoming children to the ritual of live performance.

When to go and who it is for

The festival typically takes place between the end of June and the first days of July, when the evenings are warm but the tourist flow has not yet reached its August peak. It is designed for families with children aged two and up, with specific offerings for early childhood. Those spending their holidays on the Riviera di Ulisse—between Formia, Gaeta, Sperlonga, and Minturno—will find here a high-quality evening alternative to the beach, set in a charming historical context.