A Garfagnana village transforms into an open-air stage
Spettacolando is an international street theatre festival that has been lighting up the summer in Camporgianoโa small town in the Garfagnana region of the Lucca province, in northern Tuscanyโfor over a quarter of a century. For one night, the historic village centre becomes an open-air stage: its squares, narrow alleys, and medieval corners serve as the natural backdrop for a journey filled with wonder, humour, and amazement.
The festival brings professional street theatre artists from various Italian and international schools to Camporgiano. As the audience wanders from square to square, they encounter magicians, mimes, puppeteers, stilt walkers, quick-change artists, and illusionists, all accompanied by the infectious rhythms of street bands parading through the village. It is a travelling format that invites visitors of all ages to be surprised at every turn, with shows suitable for the whole family.
Spettacolando was born from the vision of Maestro Giorgio Santarini, a cultural pioneer who dedicated his life to the theatrical scene in Camporgiano and founded the Laboratorio Teatrale dei Contafole. Today, the Contafole group continues to carry the festival forward, preserving its spirit and legacy. The event has evolved into more than just a performance; it is a heartfelt tribute from the community to its founder.
As a staple of the Serchio Valley's summer calendar, Spettacolando is one of the most cherished local events, drawing visitors from across the entire Garfagnana region to Camporgiano. Admission is free, and the widespread format, which distributes performances across the village's various squares, allows everyone to enjoy street art, music, and the enchanting atmosphere of a town in celebration. It is a night that perfectly blends high-quality artistry with the warm, collective spirit of the Camporgiano community.
Spettacolando returns in 2026 for its 27th edition: the continuation of the festival has been confirmed by local press, noting that the Laboratorio Teatrale dei Contafole continues to carry forward the initiative conceived by Maestro Giorgio Santarini, now reaching its twenty-seventh year.
The event will take place in the historic centre of Camporgiano, in Garfagnana (Province of Lucca), featuring the usual roaming format across the village squares and free admission.
At this time, the exact date and the programme of guest artists have not yet been announced. Details of the performances will be released by the Laboratorio Teatrale dei Contafole closer to the event, as is the custom every year.
The detailed programme for the 27th edition, including the exact date and guest artists, will be announced by the Laboratorio Teatrale dei Contafole in the weeks leading up to the event.
Following the established format of previous years, the evening will feature roaming performances throughout the historic squares: street bands, puppet shows, magic, mime, quick-change acts, stilt walking, and illusionism, culminating in a grand finale late in the evening.
The 27th edition of a historic international street theatre festival in Garfagnana, carried on in the name of its founder, Maestro Giorgio Santarini. Performances for all ages and free admission.
Camporgiano is located in the Garfagnana area, in the province of Lucca. By car, it can be reached via the SS445 state road, which runs through the Serchio Valley. By train, it is served by the Lucca-Aulla line (Camporgiano station).
All performances are free of charge.
The shows take place in multiple squares throughout the historic centre in a roaming format: wear comfortable shoes and arrive early to enjoy the full programme. For information: Turismo in Garfagnana, tel. +39 0583 65169.
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Centro storico di Camporgiano