Lajatico is... Books, Theatre and Tradition

A festival that tells the story of the village

Lajatico is... Books, Theatre and Tradition is the cultural festival that brings the three elements of its title to the heart of Lajatico, a small municipality of just over a thousand inhabitants perched on the hills of the Valdera, in the province of Pisa. The village, known worldwide as the birthplace of Andrea Bocelli and his Teatro del Silenzio, rediscovers its most intimate and daily dimension here, made of words, stage, and shared roots.

Books, theatre, and tradition in the square

The common thread of the festival is the dialogue between culture, community, and local flavours. The events enliven Piazza Vittorio Veneto, which has always been the hub of social life in Lajatico, where local tradition has even dedicated a space to a "Speakers' Corner" inspired by the one in Hyde Park, London. Through book presentations, theatrical moments, and reflections on folk traditions, the programme enhances the bond between the inhabitants and their land.

A collaborative artistic direction

The event is curated by Michele Quirici, Andrea Kaemmerle, and Marco Giglioli, three prominent figures in the local cultural scene who have designed a journey intended not as a simple showcase of events, but as an opportunity for the community to meet. The project looks at the entire municipal territory, including the hamlets of Orciatico, La Sterza, and San Giovanni, which are also showcased through video contributions that reflect their authentic values.

The closing event

The festival concludes with "Lajatico is... to be experienced", a convivial evening that encapsulates the spirit of the event. The programme includes a discussion among the curators on culture, community, and local flavours, a tasting buffet of local products dedicated to the quality of the area's dining and production, presentations on social issues and legality, and the preview of a video dedicated to the village and its hamlets.

Lajatico and the Valdera

Visiting Lajatico during the festival means discovering an authentic village in inland Tuscany, at an altitude of about 550 metres, overlooking the Era valley. Between the Rocca di Pietracassia, the windmills of Orciatico, and the hilly landscapes of the Valdera, the event becomes an opportunity to experience the territory beyond the major summer events, immersed in the daily life of a community that turns culture into a moment of sharing.