Intonaci – Street Art Festival in Tufo di Carsoli

Intonaci, when an entire village becomes a work of art

Intonaci is the street art festival that colors Tufo di Carsoli every summer, a small hamlet in the municipality of Carsoli, in the province of L'Aquila, nestled in the heart of the Marsica and Piana del Cavaliere areas in Abruzzo. Since its inception in 2016, through the initiative of the Pro Loco Tufo di Carsoli APS and the Artisti della Valle del Cavaliere, the festival has gradually transformed the village's streets and facades into a true open-air art gallery.

Over 120 works in a widespread museum

Throughout its editions, Intonaci has left more than 120 works on the walls of Tufo Basso, Tufo Alto, and La Villetta: not just murals, but also wood sculptures, and works in ceramic, iron, and glass. Strolling through the alleys, you will encounter a ceramic fountain and the "Tree of Identities," featuring messages written by grandparents and grandchildren on ceramic leaves. It is a widespread artistic heritage that has breathed new life into a village of a few hundred inhabitants, restoring its identity and appeal.

How an edition is born

The festival attracts artists, students, and professors from the art academies of Rome, Florence, and Sassari to Tufo, who spend several days creating new works destined to remain in the village forever. The official presentation of the new murals is the highlight, followed by guided tours that explain the meaning of each piece, often linked to social themes such as inclusion and the removal of architectural barriers.

More than just painting

The festive day goes beyond murals. The program includes guided tours of the artworks and the historic rooms of the village palace, photographic exhibitions dedicated to the village's memory, book presentations, and creative workshops. In the evening, the community gathers in Piazza San Rocco for an outdoor dinner accompanied by live music, closing the event in an atmosphere of an authentic village feast.

A community project

More than just an art exhibition, Intonaci is a project of urban regeneration and social cohesion. The involvement of Pro Loco volunteers, local children, and families makes it an event deeply rooted in the territory, capable of attracting visitors and media from outside the region without losing its intimate, communal dimension.