The Land of Fairy Tales
Castel Ritaldi transforms into the land of fairy tales with readings, games, and the Mario Tabarrini Award
About The Land of Fairy Tales
A Town That Becomes a Fairy Tale
"The Land of Fairy Tales" is the event that, every September, transforms the historic center of Castel Ritaldi, in the province of Perugia, into a world dedicated to fairy tales and storytelling for children. Founded in 2000 on the initiative of the Department of Culture, the festival is dedicated to the memory of Mario Tabarrini, a writer born in Castel Ritaldi and author of several narrative books for children.
Readings, Games, and Literary Award
The festival features fairy tale readings, games, entertainment, music, and food tastings, all within a fairy-tale setting that engages families and children. The cultural heart of the event is the Mario Tabarrini Literary Award, a competition open to participants from three-year-olds to adults, with a different theme each year. The event concludes with a fireworks display.
Narrative Culture and Territory
Beyond the playful aspect, "The Land of Fairy Tales" aims to promote narrative culture and encourage the discovery of the Umbrian territory, its rich food and wine, and cultural heritage. Organized by the Municipality of Castel Ritaldi, the festival is an anticipated end-of-summer event that successfully combines literature, play, and local tradition.
The Land of Fairy Tales — edition 2026
The 2026 edition, the 27th, of "The Land of Fairy Tales" is expected in the third weekend of September in Castel Ritaldi. The festival will again feature fairy tale readings, games, entertainment, music, and food tastings, culminating in a fireworks display. The Mario Tabarrini Literary Award, the cultural heart of the event, has the theme "Suitcase" for 2026. Precise dates will be announced by the Municipality of Castel Ritaldi.
Programme The Land of Fairy Tales 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be published by the Municipality of Castel Ritaldi. Based on recent editions, the festival includes:
- Fairy tale readings, games, and entertainment for children and families in the historic center
- Music and food tastings of local products
- Mario Tabarrini Literary Award (2026 theme: "Suitcase"), open to participants from three years old to adults — submissions due by end of May
- Final fireworks display
Dates to be confirmed. Information: castelritaldi.eu.
Highlights The Land of Fairy Tales 2026
Prices The Land of Fairy Tales 2026
Practical information — The Land of Fairy Tales
How to Get There
By car: Castel Ritaldi can be reached via the Flaminia road between Spoleto and Foligno, in the province of Perugia. The festival takes place in the historic center.
Information
Organized by the Municipality of Castel Ritaldi. Submissions for the Mario Tabarrini Literary Award must be received by the end of May. Updates at castelritaldi.eu.
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Where does it take place — The Land of Fairy Tales
Centro storico di Castel Ritaldi
Centro storico, 06044 Castel Ritaldi