Istantanea Festival
The contemporary circus festival that turns Macello into an open-air stage
About Istantanea
Istantanea: contemporary circus arrives in Macello
After five editions in Cavallermaggiore, in the Cuneo area, Istantanea is changing venues. In 2026, it lands in Macello, a small town in the Pinerolo area of the Province of Turin, Piedmont. Organized by the Cordata F.O.R. association in collaboration with the Scuola di Circo Pirilampo, the contemporary circus festival takes root in a new space with the explicit goal of turning the village into an open-air stage where art, education, and conviviality intertwine.
Two spaces, one big celebration
The heart of the event is the Arena Antilia, designed to host major circus productions, while the Pirilampo garden becomes a relaxation area open to everyone, offering vegan culinary delights by itinerant chef Valeria Persico, music, DJ sets, and free workshops. All activities in the garden are free of charge, ensuring the festival remains accessible and participatory, true to the spirit that has defined it since its very first edition.
A program for all ages
Istantanea combines aerial acrobatics, juggling, street theater, film screenings, and artist meet-and-greets. The days alternate between high-profile shows, moments dedicated to children and families, performances by students of the Scuola di Circo Pirilampo, and opportunities to discuss contemporary circus as an artistic language. The social dimension is also a priority, with "suspended ticket" options available for those facing financial hardship.
Previews for schools
The festival kicks off before the main weekend with previews dedicated to local schools in the Pinerolo area, an initiative that introduces children and teenagers to the language of circus and physical theater. It is a way to root the event in the local community and establish it as a cultural landmark for Macello and the entire Pinerolo region.
A supported and recognized festival
Istantanea is supported by the Ministry of Culture, the Piedmont Region, the Fondazione CRT, and the Creative Europe program, and is held under the patronage of the Municipality of Macello. This recognition confirms the quality of a project capable of bringing international contemporary circus to the smaller towns of Piedmont.
Istantanea — edition 2026
The first edition of Istantanea in Macello (TO) confirms the formula that has made the festival a highly anticipated event in the Piedmontese contemporary circus scene: three days of shows at the Arena Antilia, a garden open to all with vegan food, music, and workshops, plus previews dedicated to local schools.
Among the announced headliners are the aerial acrobatics of Simona Mezzapesa, the juggling of the ChienBarbu Mal Rasé company, performances by Giulio Lanzafame, and the work of Francesco Sgrò, alongside performances by students of the Scuola di Circo Pirilampo.
Programme Istantanea 2026
School Previews
- Wednesday, May 27, 10:30 AM — "Yes Land" by Giulio Lanzafame (Pinerolo school)
- Thursday, May 28, 2:30 PM — "Yes Land" by Giulio Lanzafame (Luserna school)
Friday, June 5
- 6:30 PM — Opening, aperitif, and DJ set with DJ Warra
- 7:00 PM — "Cuore Matto" by Simona Mezzapesa (aerial acrobatics)
- 8:00 PM — DJ Warra with Pirilampo instructors
- 9:00 PM — "Il Circo Palacinca" by the ChienBarbu Mal Rasé company
Saturday, June 6
- 5:00 PM — "Festa Bambin3" by Pirilampo (free)
- 6:30 PM — "Il viaggio di Ulligulli e Melatonta", by Pirilampo students (free)
- 7:30 PM — Aperitif with Trio Girico
- 9:00 PM — Screening of the documentary "Sospesi" and meeting with director Francesco Sgrò
- 10:00 PM — DJ set until midnight
Sunday, June 7
- 4:30 PM — Circus workshop by Pirilampo (free)
- 5:30 PM — "Tra le scatole" by Giulio Lanzafame
- 6:30 PM — Aperitif with performances by Pirilampo students
- 7:30 PM — "What to do now?" by Francesco Sgrò, Luca Quaia, and Pino Basile
All activities in the Pirilampo garden (concerts, DJ sets, and workshops) are free of charge.
Highlights Istantanea 2026
Prices Istantanea 2026
Practical information — Istantanea
Where
Arena Antilia and Scuola di Circo Pirilampo, Regione Faule 7, Macello (TO), Piedmont. In case of bad weather, performances will be held in the Pirilampo gym.
When
School previews on May 27 and 28, 2026; main festival from Friday, June 5 to Sunday, June 7, 2026.
Tickets
Full price 8 euros, reduced 5 euros (over 65s, circus school students, under 10s). Free for children under 3, companions of people with disabilities, and "Buono Scuola" holders. A "suspended ticket" option is available for those in financial difficulty. All activities in the Pirilampo garden are free.
Information and bookings
Email [email protected], phone +39 351 548 8100. Organized by the Cordata F.O.R. association with the Scuola di Circo Pirilampo.
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Where does it take place — Istantanea
Arena Antilia / Scuola di Circo Pirilampo
Regione Faule 7, 10060 Macello