The charity festival challenging prejudices against black cats, in Rome
This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.
The "Mi fa un baffo il gatto nero Festival" is a Roman event born to combat one of the most deep-rooted superstitions: the belief that black cats bring bad luck. Every November, around Black Cat Day (November 17th), the festival transforms prejudice into an opportunity for cultural reflection, entertainment, and solidarity, while also shining a light on other animals often victims of false myths, such as owls, little owls, bats, and wolves.
The event is conceived by journalist Federica Rinaudo, who also serves as artistic director, and is organized by the Pet Carpet association. Described as "the festival that rewrites the concept of inclusion," the event dismantles clichรฉs through live performances and shows.
The festival takes place at the Teatro della Croce Rossa Italiana, located at Via Bernardo Ramazzini 31, in the Portuense district of Rome. For two evenings, this stage in the capital of the Lazio region becomes a meeting point for the world of entertainment, non-profit organizations, and institutions. The Metropolitan City of Rome Capital provides the backdrop for an event that has now achieved national significance.
The heart of the festival is a competition divided into several sections, ranging from theater to music, dance, literature, and photography, with awards also given for television video tributes and musical performances. Special space is reserved for schools and local care homes in Rome, which are involved in educational projects against prejudice.
The "Mi fa un baffo il gatto nero Festival" is distinguished by the prestigious patronage it receives each year: the State Police, the Carabinieri, the Italian Red Cross, and Fnovi (National Federation of Italian Veterinary Orders). Admission to the evenings is free, reflecting the educational and charitable nature of the event, which attracts prominent figures from culture, journalism, entertainment, and sports every year. In the heart of the Lazio region, the festival has become a highly anticipated appointment for animal lovers and those who believe in the power of inclusion.
Following the success of the fifth edition, the "Mi fa un baffo il gatto nero Festival" is expected back in Rome in November 2026. The event, as every year, is linked to Black Cat Day on November 17th and continues the mission of the Pet Carpet association: to fight superstitions and clichรฉs that penalize black cats and other animals wrongly considered to be harbingers of bad luck.
At the moment, the dates of November 14-15, 2026, are tentative and not yet officially confirmed by the organization; the program, guests, and competition sections will be announced on the festival's official channels. Free admission is planned for 2026 as well, with the usual spaces dedicated to theater, music, dance, literature, and photography.
The Teatro della Croce Rossa Italiana is located at Via Bernardo Ramazzini 31, in the Portuense district of Rome (Postal Code 00151). The area is served by urban bus lines; by car, it can be reached via the Circonvallazione Gianicolense. The Roma Trastevere and Roma Termini railway stations are just a few kilometers away.
Participation in the evenings is free. Booking is recommended due to limited seating capacity.
Associazione Pet Carpet โ official website petcarpetfestival.it, email [email protected].
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