International FOF — Figura Offida Festival
The village of Offida becomes a stage for puppetry and street arts
About International FOF
An international festival of puppetry in the heart of Piceno
The International FOF — Figura Offida Festival is the major street theatre event dedicated to puppetry (marionettes, puppets, object theatre) that annually transforms the medieval village of Offida, in the province of Ascoli Piceno, in the Marche region, into a widespread open-air stage. For three days, the most picturesque squares, alleys, and corners of the historic center host shows that blend puppetry with clowning, magic, and street arts.
The history and soul of FOF
The festival was born from the desire of Remo Di Filippo, founder of the Compagnia Di Filippo Marionette and originally from Offida, to "bring a bit of the world" to his hometown. After years of touring across Europe, South America, and Australia, Remo Di Filippo and actress Rhoda Lopez created an event that now attracts companies from numerous countries and thousands of spectators. The artistic direction remains entrusted to the duo, who select the international lineup each year.
What makes Offida special
Offida, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, is famous for its bobbin lace and its historic carnival. During FOF, its compact and scenic medieval layout becomes the ideal setting for family-friendly shows: artists perform multiple times a day, and the audience moves from one square to another following the printed program distributed at the village entrance.
The Alfredo Tassi Award
Among the festival's traditions is the Premio Alfredo Tassi (Alfredo Tassi Award), dedicated to the memory of an artist from Offida: a sculpture that is awarded each year to one of the participating companies and which the winner returns in subsequent editions, creating a symbolic link between one edition and the next.
A free event open to all
The shows are free admission, with the traditional voluntary "hat" contribution offered directly to the artists. Only a few limited-seating shows require the collection of a free ticket at the InFOF Point. It is an event that combines the quality of international theatre with the popular and welcoming dimension of a village festival.
International FOF — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the International FOF returns to Offida from Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21, 2026, confirming the formula of puppetry spread throughout the historic center. The festival brings together companies from different countries, with over a hundred performances distributed over the three days. The shows start in the afternoon (Fridays from 4:00 PM, Saturdays and Sundays from 3:00 PM) and continue until evening among the squares and alleys of the village. This year again, the Premio Alfredo Tassi (Alfredo Tassi Award) will be presented to one of the companies in the lineup.
Programme International FOF 2026
Daily Schedule
- Friday, June 19 — opening from 4:00 PM until midnight
- Saturday, June 20 — shows from 3:00 PM until midnight
- Sunday, June 21 — shows from 3:00 PM until midnight
The festival offers approximately 100 performances in total with national and international puppetry, clowning, magic, and street arts companies, distributed among the squares of the historic center. Among the artists announced for the 2026 edition are Compagnia Bellavita, Torpeza Ritmika, Cho Kairin, Tobia Circus, Witty Look, Guillem Albà, Hilarilar Marionetas, Pantao, and The Show Globe, hailing from Italy, Argentina, Japan, Spain, South Korea, and Chile, among others.
The detailed program with times and locations for each show is distributed in printed form (illustrated program) in Piazza del Popolo during the festival days. For shows with limited seating, a free ticket must be collected at the InFOF Point.
Highlights International FOF 2026
Prices International FOF 2026
Practical information — International FOF
How to get there
Offida is located in the province of Ascoli Piceno, in the Marche region. By car: A14 motorway, Grottammare exit, then about 17 km inland. In recent years, the Municipality has activated a shuttle bus service and dedicated parking areas outside the historic center during the festival days.
Times and access
The shows take place in the afternoon and evening: on Fridays from 4:00 PM and on Saturdays and Sundays from 3:00 PM, until midnight. Free entry throughout the village. For shows with limited seating, a free ticket must be collected at the InFOF Point.
Printed program
The illustrated program with times, locations, and companies is available in Piazza del Popolo (for a symbolic cost of a few euros) and is the best way to plan your route between the different squares.
Contacts
Official website: internationalfof.com — Email: [email protected] — Instagram: @international_fof — Facebook: International FOF.
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Where does it take place — International FOF
Centro storico di Offida
Piazza del Popolo, 63073 Offida