La Corrida
Amateur talent show in Val Vigezzo: a hilarious evening of fun
About La Corrida
The amateur talent festival in Val Vigezzo
La Corrida is one of the most beloved summer events in Santa Maria Maggiore, the main town of Val Vigezzo in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Piedmont. Inspired by the famous television format of "amateur performers," the evening invites everyone to unleash their inner artist: do you like to sing, dance, act, or tell jokes? Then the stage at Villa Antonia Park is the right place to test yourself in front of a warm and amused audience.
How it works
The principle is simple and irresistible: non-professional contestants take turns on stage, proposing a wide variety of acts, from singing to dancing, comedy to the most extravagant numbers. The fate of the evening is decided by the audience, who vote for their favorites by making noise with whistles, cowbells, and any sound-making instrument brought from home. The three most acclaimed performances are awarded in an atmosphere of healthy competition and great joy.
- Free and mandatory registration for those who want to perform, at the "Feminis Farina" Perfume House info point.
- Free admission for the audience.
- La Corrida Junior in the afternoon, reserved for children aged 8 to 14.
- Prizes for the three performances most voted by the audience.
La Corrida Junior
In the afternoon of the same day, La Corrida Junior takes the stage, the version dedicated to the youngest: children between 8 and 14 years old can try their hand at performing in front of an audience, experiencing the thrill of the stage in a setting designed just for them. It is an opportunity to nurture new young talents and involve entire families in the celebration.
Santa Maria Maggiore and the Valley of Painters
The event takes place in Villa Antonia Park, in the center of Santa Maria Maggiore, a town awarded the Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club and known as the "Valley of Painters" for its ancient artistic tradition. Organized by the Pro Loco of Santa Maria Maggiore, Crana, and Buttogno, La Corrida is part of a rich summer season of events that enlivens Val Vigezzo from May to December, featuring music, traditions, and culture. In case of bad weather, the event moves to the Municipal Theater.
La Corrida — edition 2026
The fifth edition of La Corrida returns to Santa Maria Maggiore on August 12, 2026, in Villa Antonia Park. As per tradition, the day opens in the afternoon with La Corrida Junior, reserved for children aged 8 to 14, while the evening hosts the main show open to all amateur performers.
As this is a format based on amateur performances, the cast of contestants is not announced in advance: participants register for free at the "Feminis Farina" Perfume House info point and take the stage to sing, dance, act, or make the audience laugh. The three most acclaimed performances receive a prize. The detailed program and final times are communicated by the Pro Loco in the weeks leading up to the event. In case of bad weather, the evening moves to the Municipal Theater.
Programme La Corrida 2026
La Corrida is an amateur talent show: the cast of contestants is not announced in advance because it is formed by open registration. The usual structure of the day is as follows:
- Afternoon — La Corrida Junior, performances by children aged 8 to 14.
- Evening — La Corrida, main show with adult contestants: singing, dancing, acting, comedy, and various acts.
The audience votes for the performances with whistles and cowbells; the three most acclaimed are awarded. Final times and the list of performances will be communicated by the Pro Loco in the weeks leading up to the event.
Highlights La Corrida 2026
- Evening amateur talent show in Villa Antonia Park
- La Corrida Junior in the afternoon for children aged 8 to 14
- Audience voting with whistles and cowbells and prizes for the three most acclaimed performances
- Free admission
Prices La Corrida 2026
Practical information — La Corrida
When and where
La Corrida is held in Villa Antonia Park, in the center of Santa Maria Maggiore (VB). In case of bad weather, the show is moved to the Municipal Theater.
How to get there
Santa Maria Maggiore can be reached by car from the A26 (Gravellona Toce exit, then SS33 and SS337 towards Val Vigezzo). By train, you can use the scenic Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway (Domodossola-Locarno), with a stop at Santa Maria Maggiore.
Registration and contacts
Registration to perform is free and mandatory, to be completed by 12:30 PM on the day before at the "Feminis Farina" Perfume House info point. For information: Sandra, tel. +39 349 2709661 (Pro Loco).
Admission
Free admission for the audience. It is recommended to bring whistles and cowbells to vote for the contestants.
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Where does it take place — La Corrida
Parco di Villa Antonia