Il Giullare National Festival
Theatre without barriers at the Centro Jobel in Trani
About Il Giullare
Theatre that breaks down every barrier
The Il Giullare National Festival is a theatre event without barriers that transforms the Centro Jobel in Trani, in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani (BAT), into the beating heart of Italian social and inclusive theatre every summer. Established in 2009, the festival features outdoor performances by companies composed of actors with and without disabilities, proving that the stage truly belongs to everyone and that art is an extraordinary tool for participation.
A national contest dedicated to inclusion
The festival is structured as a true national competition: each year, a panel of experts selects six companies from across Italy to compete during the central week in Trani. The performances go beyond traditional theatre, embracing various disciplines through sections dedicated to theatre, music, dance, cinema, and showtime, offering a rich, multidisciplinary overview of accessible art.
The Company Gala and awards
The event culminates in the Company Gala, the closing evening where awards are presented to the most compelling productions. In addition to cash prizes for the two best performances, the jury grants awards for best direction, best actors, best set design, and best emotional impact, alongside the Critics' Choice Award and the unique "Fantagiullare" prize. Selected companies also receive travel expense reimbursements based on their distance from Trani and the number of members.
Waiting for the Festival
In the months leading up to the main event, the festival enjoys a long, widespread build-up: "Waiting for the Il Giullare Festival," a touring format that travels through various cities in Puglia from February to June, bringing the public closer to the themes and emotions of the contest through previews, workshops, and meetings.
Trani and the culture of accessibility
Set in the scenic backdrop of Trani, a Puglian city famous for its cathedral by the sea, the festival is promoted by the Il Giullare Theatre Company in collaboration with the volunteer and third-sector network. More than just a festival, "Il Giullare" is a cultural and social project that places Puglia and the Municipality of Trani at the center of the national debate on inclusion through the performing arts.
Il Giullare — edition 2026
18th edition — 2026
The eighteenth edition of the Il Giullare National Festival takes place in Trani from July 12 to 17, 2026, with the Company Gala scheduled for July 18 on the outdoor stage of the Centro Jobel.
A panel of experts has selected six companies from the applications received via the 2026 call for entries, which will perform during the central week of the contest. The program covers sections of theatre, music, dance, cinema, and showtime, with the evening event "Il Salotto del Giullare" starting at 8:30 PM.
The closing Gala on July 18th will award cash prizes to the two best shows and honors for best direction, best actors, best set design, best emotional impact, as well as the Critics' Choice Award and the "Fantagiullare" prize.
Programme Il Giullare 2026
July 12-17, 2026 — Week of the national theatre contest at the Centro Jobel in Trani: performances by the six inclusive companies selected by the committee, featuring theatre, music, dance, cinema, and showtime.
July 12-18, 8:30 PM — "Il Salotto del Giullare" at Centro Jobel.
July 18, 2026 — Company Gala: awards ceremony with cash prizes for the two best shows and recognition for best direction, best actors, best set design, best emotional impact, Critics' Choice Award, and "Fantagiullare" prize.
The festival is preceded by the touring format "Waiting for the Il Giullare Festival," which visits various cities in Puglia from February to June.
Highlights Il Giullare 2026
- Six inclusive companies selected nationally
- Theatre, music, dance, cinema, and showtime sections
- "Il Salotto del Giullare" every evening from 8:30 PM
- Company Gala and awards ceremony on July 18th
- Outdoor stage at the Centro Jobel in Trani
Prices Il Giullare 2026
Practical information — Il Giullare
Location
Performances take place on the outdoor stage of the Centro Jobel in Trani (BT), Puglia. Some events of the "Waiting for the Festival" build-up are held in other Puglian cities.
Getting there
Trani is accessible by train along the Adriatic line (Trani station) and by car via the A14 motorway, Trani exit. The nearest airports are Bari-Palese and Foggia-Gino Lisa.
Admission and contacts
As a social theatre event promoted by the volunteer network, performances at the Centro Jobel are traditionally free to attend. For the updated program and participation details, visit the official website ilgiullare.it, email [email protected], or call +39 0883 501407.
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Where does it take place — Il Giullare
Centro Jobel