International FOF — Figura Offida Festival
The village of Offida becomes a stage for puppet theatre and street arts
About International FOF
An international puppet theatre festival in the heart of Piceno
The International FOF — Figura Offida Festival is the major street theatre event dedicated to puppet theatre (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 evocative squares, alleys, and corners of the historic center host shows that blend puppet theatre 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 piece of the world" to his hometown. After years of touring in 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 with the duo, who select the international program 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 public 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 Alfredo Tassi Award, dedicated to the memory of an artist from Offida: a sculpture awarded annually to one of the participating companies, which the winner brings back to subsequent editions, creating a symbolic link between one edition and the next.
A free event open to all
The shows are free entry, with the traditional voluntary "hat" contribution offered directly to the artists. Only some shows with limited seating 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 puppet theatre spread throughout the historic center. The festival brings together companies from various countries, with over one hundred performances distributed over the three days. Shows begin in the afternoon (Friday from 4:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday from 3:00 PM) and continue into the evening among the squares and alleys of the village. This year, the Alfredo Tassi Award will also 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 companies of puppet theatre, clowning, magic, and street arts, 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, 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 format (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.
Hours and access
Shows take place in the afternoon and evening: from Friday 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