Il Paese dei Balocchi
The children's theatre festival that transforms the medieval village of Serra San Quirico into a large village of games and shows
About Il Paese dei Balocchi
The village that becomes a big game
Il Paese dei Balocchi is one of the most beloved and long-running children's theatre events in the Marche region. Every summer, the historic centre of Serra San Quirico, a splendid medieval village perched at the entrance to the Gola della Rossa in the Province of Ancona, transforms for three days into a large village of fun designed for children and their families. The name recalls the famous 'Land of Toys' from Pinocchio, and it is precisely this fairytale atmosphere that envelops the alleys, staircases, and characteristic copertelle (the evocative covered walkways that cross the village) during the festival days.
Games, workshops, and shows
The idea behind the event is simple: to give children back the pleasure of live play, away from screens, in an urban setting made magical by the decorations. Along the route, you'll find traditional wooden games, creative workshops dedicated to recycling, set design, and crafts, face painting, and then jugglers, clowns, magicians, and storytellers animating the corners of the village. As evening falls, the theatre performances begin, offered at multiple locations simultaneously to welcome even the youngest children, in a programme that focuses on puppetry, comedy, and family variety shows.
A signature: Teatro Giovani Teatro Pirata
The festival is curated by ATGTP - Associazione Teatro Giovani Teatro Pirata, a social enterprise based in Serra San Quirico that has been a national point of reference for children's theatre and education for decades. This same organisation manages the historic School Theatre Review and numerous children's theatre projects, using the historic centre of Serra as its natural stage. Il Paese dei Balocchi was born from this experience and is one of its most festive and popular expressions.
A community event
Over the years, the festival has intertwined with the life of the village and the initiatives of the hinterland of Ancona: in 2026, the animation of the historic centre will also be linked to the Festival della Terza Giovinezza (Festival of the Third Age), the travelling project of the Social Territorial Area 10 which involves Serra San Quirico along with Fabriano, Cerreto d'Esi, Genga, and Sassoferrato, creating a bridge between generations. Visiting Serra San Quirico during Il Paese dei Balocchi means discovering one of the most beautiful villages in the Marche at its liveliest moment, amidst history, theatre, and children's smiles.
Il Paese dei Balocchi — edition 2026
The 2026 edition
Il Paese dei Balocchi will animate the historic centre of Serra San Quirico from Friday, July 24th to Sunday, July 26th, 2026. As tradition dictates, the afternoon will be dedicated to wooden games, creative workshops, face painting, and itinerant entertainment in the village alleys, while the evening will feature theatre performances for families, staged at multiple locations in the historic centre.
This year's entertainment is linked to the Festival della Terza Giovinezza (Festival of the Third Age), the travelling project of the Social Territorial Area 10 (Fabriano, Cerreto d'Esi, Genga, Sassoferrato, and Serra San Quirico), which will feature entertainment in the historic centre of Serra San Quirico precisely during the days of Il Paese dei Balocchi, from July 23rd to 26th, 2026.
Programme Il Paese dei Balocchi 2026
The detailed programme for the 2026 edition, including the titles of the evening shows and the list of workshops, will be published by ATGTP closer to the event. The established structure of the festival includes:
- Late afternoon (approximately from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM): wooden games, creative workshops (recycling, set design), face painting, traditional games, jugglers, magicians, and storytellers itinerating through the alleys and covered walkways of the historic centre.
- Evening (approximately from 9:30 PM): children's theatre and puppetry performances, also offered simultaneously at multiple locations to accommodate different age groups.
- Refreshment area along the route.
For updated details on titles, times, and bookings, please refer to ATGTP - Teatro Giovani Teatro Pirata ([email protected], tel. 0731 86634).
Highlights Il Paese dei Balocchi 2026
- Three days of children's theatre in the medieval historic centre of Serra San Quirico
- Wooden games, creative workshops, and itinerant entertainment for children and families
- Evening puppetry performances at multiple locations
- Entertainment linked to the Festival della Terza Giovinezza (July 23-26, 2026)
Prices Il Paese dei Balocchi 2026
Practical information — Il Paese dei Balocchi
When and where
Il Paese dei Balocchi takes place in the historic centre of Serra San Quirico (AN), in the Marche region. The 2026 edition is scheduled from July 24th to 26th, with games and activities in the late afternoon and evening shows.
How to get there
By car: Serra San Quirico can be reached from the SS76 della Val d'Esino, Serra San Quirico exit, between Jesi and Fabriano. By train: Serra San Quirico station is on the Rome-Ancona line (Orte-Falconara). The nearest airport is Ancona-Falconara.
Tickets
Admission to the games village requires a ticket of a few euros (free for residents), while evening shows have a separate ticket. Booking is recommended by writing to [email protected] or calling 0731 86634.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Il Paese dei Balocchi
Centro storico di Serra San Quirico