Sopra le Righe Festival
Three days out of the ordinary with books, shows, and creativity in Albinea
About Sopra le Righe
A festival that takes books beyond the lines
Every spring, the Municipality of Albinea, a small town in the Reggio Emilia Apennines (Emilia-Romagna), hosts the Sopra le Righe Festival: a widespread event that for three days transforms the town into a sort of cultural "safari." The idea is simple and powerful: libraries are not static or "dusty" places, but living entities that dialogue with the community, step out of their walls, and invade parks, squares, community centers, and cinemas.
What to expect
The program intertwines genres and languages without hierarchy: readings, theatrical performances, concerts, creative workshops, nature and literary walks, book presentations, screenings, and tournaments. One of the most recognizable events is the giant chess tournament in Piazza Cavicchioni, which accompanies the festival from the elimination rounds to the final.
- Readings and storytelling for children and families, often under the tent in Parco dei Frassini
- Theatrical performances, live music, and DJ sets
- Creative workshops, drawing, music, and crafts
- Walks, yoga, and outdoor wellness activities
A community project
The festival is organized by the Municipality of Albinea and the Pablo Neruda Municipal Library, as part of the Reading Pact, with the "Città che Legge" recognition from CEPELL (Center for Books and Reading of the Ministry of Culture). Making it possible is a network of over twenty local partners, including schools, cultural associations, community centers, and businesses, who provide spaces and energy. The venues are spread across several points in the town: Parco dei Frassini Margherita Hack, Piazza Cavicchioni, the Civic Hall on Via Morandi, the Circolo Bellarosa, and the Apollo Cinema.
Who is it for
Most of the events are free admission, some require booking. It is a festival truly designed for everyone: children, teenagers, adults, and seniors will each find their own space, in an informal atmosphere that has already won over audiences in the first editions of 2024 and 2025.
Sopra le Righe — edition 2026
The third edition of the Sopra le Righe Festival animated Albinea from May 8 to 10, 2026, confirming the formula of the widespread festival that brings books and culture beyond the lines. Among the venues: Parco dei Frassini M. Hack, Piazza Cavicchioni, the Civic Hall, the Pablo Neruda Library, Circolo Bellarosa, and Apollo Cinema. A program for all ages, largely with free admission.
Programme Sopra le Righe 2026
Friday, May 8
- Opening of the exhibition Sfumature di noi
- Start of the giant chess tournament Il pedone e la regina in Piazza Cavicchioni
- Creative workshops, children's readings under the tent in Parco dei Frassini
- Theatrical performances in the evening
Saturday, May 9
- Gentle gymnastics and outdoor wellness activities
- Music education with the Risonanze school
- Guided tours and nature walks
- Concert by the Piccola Orchestrina Collinare (PÒC!)
- Book presentations with authors including Elena Pivetti and Francesco Mazzucca
- Illustrated fairy tales with Mario Sabia and Gigi Cavalli Cocchi
Sunday, May 10
- Yoga classes in English in the morning
- Workshops on gardens and repairs, quilling workshop
- Poetic readings and storytelling
- Film-concert event with Paolo Rumiz
- Final of the giant chess tournament
- Grand finale with Disco libro, DJ set with Marco Campani, Jonny Guaina, Nikita Voguel, and Sospeso Brothers
Program subject to change; some activities require booking.
Highlights Sopra le Righe 2026
Among the most anticipated moments: the giant chess tournament in Piazza Cavicchioni, the concert by Piccola Orchestrina Collinare (PÒC!), the film-concert event with Paolo Rumiz, and the Disco libro finale with DJ sets.
Prices Sopra le Righe 2026
Practical information — Sopra le Righe
When
The festival takes place in May, over three days (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).
Where
Albinea (RE), Emilia-Romagna. The main venues are Parco dei Frassini M. Hack, Piazza Cavicchioni, the Civic Hall on Via Morandi 9, the Pablo Neruda Library, Circolo Bellarosa (Via Nobili 11), and Apollo Cinema.
Admission
Most events are free; some require booking. Screenings at Apollo Cinema may have a ticket price (around €8).
How to get there
Albinea is about 10 km from Reggio Emilia and is reachable by car from the city; the reference train station is Reggio Emilia, connected by bus to the town.
Contacts
Pablo Neruda Municipal Library, Via Morandi 9, 42020 Albinea (RE). Tel. 0522 590262 - [email protected]
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Where does it take place — Sopra le Righe
Biblioteca Comunale Pablo Neruda
Via Morandi 9, 42020 Albinea