Metropolitan Archipelago

An archipelago of festivals for the Roman Christmas

Metropolitan Archipelago was born in 2025 as a widespread Christmas calendar by Fusolab, a historic cultural hub in the eastern suburbs of Rome, promoted with the contribution of the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital and in collaboration with ATCL — Multidisciplinary Circuit of Lazio. The idea is simple yet ambitious: to build an «archipelago» of four thematic islands, each with its own identity, connected by a common thread of solidarity, sustainability, and participation. The chosen subtitle, «Shared routes, solidary horizons», perfectly captures the spirit of the event.

Where it takes place

The events are spread across two hubs in the metropolitan area: Fusolab 3.0, on Viale della Bella Villa in the Alessandrino district of Rome, and Palazzo Rospigliosi in Zagarolo, in the province of Rome. Two very different settings — a contemporary cultural space and a historic residence — that showcase the variety of Lazio and its metropolitan area, from urban outskirts to the villages of the Castelli Romani and the Valle del Sacco.

The four islands

• Playstory — The Festival of Games and Creativity: the island dedicated to play in all its forms, from the Toy Museum to board games, retrogaming to virtual reality, and simulators to the Game Vintage Market. Held at Palazzo Rospigliosi in Zagarolo.
• Bamboom — Little Fair for Little Rascals: the «children and future» island, featuring a handmade market, creative workshops, analog and digital games, an area dedicated to children's publishing, talks on education and well-being, and daily theatrical performances.
• FRA' — Fair of Accessible Gifts: the historic craft and independent production fair by Fusolab, hosting over a hundred artisans, illustrators, designers, and makers. The golden rule: no item for sale can exceed 50 euros, because quality gifts must remain accessible to everyone.
• Ensemble! — Sounds and flavors from the world: the «cultures and flavors» island, curated together with Rome's foreign communities, featuring concerts, dances, screenings, market stalls, and international tastings that close the festival with a large shared table.

A solidary and sustainable Christmas

The hallmark of the festival is its focus on family and sustainability: toy reuse and recycling, local artisanal production, capped prices, accessible spaces, and free admission to all events, with booking recommended on the Fusolab website. It is not a commercial Christmas market: it is a community project that attempts to bring together popular culture, social economy, and intercultural inclusion.

The atmosphere

Those arriving at Fusolab 3.0 in December will find a warehouse transformed into a village: craft stalls, workshops for children, readings, board game tournaments, street performances, and the cuisine of FUK — Fusolab Urban Kitchen accompanying the days. In Zagarolo, the rooms of Palazzo Rospigliosi host play in a historic setting, with an audience that mixes local families and visitors from the Capital.

Why it's worth the trip

Metropolitan Archipelago is one of the most original Christmas offerings in the Roman area, as it goes beyond the simple market to build a month-long experiential journey. For those visiting Rome between late November and late December, it is an opportunity to discover a different kind of Christmas than that of the historic center: the one in the neighborhoods and towns of the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, where associations and craftsmanship still play a central role.