Lunathica – International Street Theatre Festival

Lunathica: theatre hits the streets

Every summer, as July brings long, warm evenings, Lunathica transforms Ciriè and its neighboring towns into a widespread stage. Established in the early 2000s, this International Street Theatre Festival is now one of the most popular performing arts events in the Metropolitan City of Turin and the entire Piedmont region. Its strength lies in a simple, generous formula: taking theatre out of traditional venues and bringing it directly to the people, free of charge.

A festival spread across the Canavese

Lunathica is not tied to a single stage; it is a traveling festival that involves seven municipalities in the Ciriacese and Lower Canavese areas, including Ciriè (Province of Turin), Lanzo Torinese, Leinì, Nole, Mathi, Fiano, and Villanova Canavese. In Ciriè, the performances animate the heart of the city: Piazza San Giovanni, Via Vittorio Emanuele II in front of the Church of Loreto and the Church of San Giuseppe, the tree-lined Corso Martiri della Libertà, as well as charming courtyards and hidden corners of the historic center. Walking from one square to another, you will encounter acrobats, jugglers, giant puppets, and comedic theatre, in a journey that invites you to discover the city on foot.

Artists from across Europe

The artistic direction, curated by the I Lunatici Cultural Association, selects the best of the European street theatre scene each year, featuring numerous national and regional premieres and genuine Italian debuts. Contemporary circus, clowning, dance, mime, aerial acrobatics, and fire shows alternate throughout the days, accompanied by concerts, exhibitions, workshops, and festive gatherings. In recent editions, the festival has attracted tens of thousands of spectators, many of whom traveled from outside the region.

An event for everyone

One of Lunathica's hallmarks is that it is free of charge: all main program performances are open to the public, a choice that makes culture accessible to families, children, and anyone looking to spend an evening with a difference. Alongside the official schedule, the OFF section "Compagnie di Passaggio" opens the festival to emerging artists performing in the city streets, further enriching the atmosphere. For Ciriè and the Canavese, Lunathica has become a summer ritual that blends local identity with an international flair.