Terra in Equilibrio - Festival of Science and Resilience in Inland Areas
The science and resilience that bring the Piceno hinterland back to life
About Terra in Equilibrio
A festival for the inland areas of Piceno
Terra in Equilibrio is the Festival of Science and Resilience in Inland Areas held in Appignano del Tronto, a hilly 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 combating depopulation. Science here becomes play, storytelling, and dialogue: a way to show how even the smallest gestures can make a difference for the balance of the Earth.
Science, water, and the 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 science 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 funds from the POC Marche 2014-2020, within the framework 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 enthusiasts of science and environmental issues.
Participating in Terra in Equilibrio means experiencing an authentic cultural event, far from the major circuits, and supporting the rebirth of a territory that has made resilience its identity.
Terra in Equilibrio — edition 2026
Terra in Equilibrio 2026
The festival is divided into several events between late May and June 2026, in Appignano del Tronto. The common theme is the value of water, the cycle of nature, and environmental protection, tailored for school audiences and for the evening public of adults and families. All events are free admission with mandatory booking.
Programme Terra in Equilibrio 2026
Thursday, May 28, 2026 - 10:00 AM, morning session for schools
- Interactive meeting with author Daniela Zepponi, who presents the book La mia amica Guty, the story of the water droplet Guty designed to raise awareness among children about the value of water and the cycle of nature.
- Event reserved for primary school classes in the area, including reading, dialogue, and interactive stimuli.
Saturday, June 27, 2026 - 9:30 PM, evening with Vincenzo Schettini
- Vincenzo Schettini, a physicist, musician, and one of Italy's most followed science communicators with the project La fisica che ci piace and over three million followers, presents his science communication show.
- Schettini explores the physics hidden in everyday objects and the mysteries of the cosmos, with interactive moments for the audience.
- Followed by a book signing session with the author.
Free admission with mandatory booking (tel. 0736 817701, [email protected], or online via Eventbrite).
Highlights Terra in Equilibrio 2026
Prices Terra in Equilibrio 2026
Practical information — Terra in Equilibrio
Where
The events take place in Appignano del Tronto (AP), in the heart of the Piceno hinterland, about 20 km from Ascoli Piceno and the Ascoli Piceno-San Benedetto del Tronto highway exit (A14).
How to get here
By car: from the A14, take the Ascoli Piceno exit, then the SS4 Salaria and provincial roads towards Appignano del Tronto. By train: Ascoli Piceno or San Benedetto del Tronto station, then bus connections.
Admission and booking
Free admission with mandatory booking. Info and bookings: tel. 0736 817701 (office hours) or [email protected]. Online booking is available for some events via the Eventbrite platform.
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