National Festival "Ai Bravi Burattinai d'Italia"

A week dedicated to the ancient art of puppetry

In the heart of the Ovadese region, in the province of Alessandria, the town of Silvano d'Orba hosts the National Festival "Ai Bravi Burattinai d'Italia" every July, one of Italy's longest-running and most beloved puppet theatre events. Organized by the Associazione Amici dei Burattini with the support of the Municipality, the Province of Alessandria, and the Piedmont Region, the festival has for decades attracted some of the most important companies on the national scene, guardians of a popular tradition rooted in centuries past.

Evening performances in Corte Padre Dionisio

The heart of the event lies in the evening shows, held from 9:00 PM in the charming Corte Padre Dionisio, located in the town centre. In case of bad weather, performances are moved to the Teatro Comunale della SOMS. Each night, a different company takes the stage to present classic tales and new creations, showcasing the most beloved masks of Italian puppet theatre—from Gioppino to Arlecchino, Pulcinella to Fagiolino—in a programme designed to entertain both adults and children.

Children's workshop and the "Silvano d'Orba" Award

The festival is more than just a show: the opening night is traditionally dedicated to the final performance of the workshop "Children meet the magical world of puppets", where youngsters discover the art of crafting and animating puppets. At the end of the week, the "Silvano d'Orba" Award is presented, a recognition bestowed by the jury upon the most deserving puppeteers, helping to preserve and pass on this precious cultural heritage.

A Piedmontese tradition for the whole family

With its free admission and the intimate atmosphere of the courtyard under the stars, the "Ai Bravi Burattinai d'Italia" festival is an unmissable summer event for Silvano d'Orba and the entire Ovadese territory. It is a chance to rediscover a popular heritage shared across the Peninsula and to gift children the magic of a theatre made of wood, fabric, and imagination, in the spirit of Piedmont's finest traditions.

• Where: Corte Padre Dionisio, Silvano d'Orba (AL) — Teatro SOMS in case of rain
• When: July, for one week
• Showtime: 9:00 PM
• Admission: Free
• Organizer: Associazione Amici dei Burattini