Terra in Equilibrio - Festival of science and resilience in inland areas

A festival for the inland areas of Piceno

Terra in Equilibrio is the Festival of science and resilience in inland areas that takes place in Appignano del Tronto, a hillside village of just over two thousand inhabitants in the Province of Ascoli Piceno. In a territory marked by the 2016 earthquake, which demolished almost half of the historic center, the festival chooses scientific culture and resilience as keys to revitalizing the hinterland and counteracting depopulation. Science here becomes play, storytelling, and dialogue: a way to demonstrate how even the smallest gestures can make a difference for the balance of the Earth.

Science, water, and environment at the heart of the village

The program combines science communication, literature, and education. There is space for younger audiences, with morning sessions dedicated to local schools, and for the general public, with evening shows hosted by some of the most well-known figures in Italian scientific communication. The common thread is the value of water, the cycle of nature, and the importance of environmental protection, told through books, experiments, and interactive moments that transform scientific concepts into shared experiences.

A project born from rebirth

The festival is part of RURITAGE, the European project that saw Appignano del Tronto play a leading role in post-earthquake regeneration through the enhancement of cultural and rural heritage. The initiative is promoted by the lead body, the Mountain Union of Tronto and Valfluvione, and supported by the Marche Region with the POC Marche 2014-2020 Funds, as part of the National Strategy for Inland Areas (SNAI) for the Ascoli Piceno area.

Why participate

• A free event that brings national-level science communicators and authors to a small village in Piceno.
• An opportunity to discover Appignano del Tronto, its hills, and its history of rebirth after the earthquake.
• Events designed for families and schools, as well as for science and environmental current affairs enthusiasts.

Participating in Terra in Equilibrio means experiencing an authentic cultural event, far from the usual circuits, and supporting the rebirth of a territory that has made resilience its identity.