The Land of Toys
The children's theatre festival that transforms the medieval village of Serra San Quirico into a large village of games and shows
About The Land of Toys
The village that becomes a big game
Il Paese dei Balocchi is one of the most beloved and longest-running children's theatre events in the Marche region. Every summer, the historic center of Serra San Quirico, a splendid medieval village perched at the entrance to the Gola della Rossa in the Province of Ancona, transforms for three days into a large village of fun designed for children and their families. The name recalls the famous Land of Toys from Pinocchio, and it is precisely this fairytale atmosphere that envelops the alleys, staircases, and characteristic copertelle (the evocative covered walkways that cross the village) during the festival days.
Games, workshops, and shows
The idea guiding the event is simple: to give children back the pleasure of live play, away from screens, in an urban setting made magical by the setup. Along the route, you'll find traditional wooden games, creative workshops dedicated to recycling, set design, and crafts, face painting, and then jugglers, clowns, magicians, and storytellers who animate the corners of the village. As evening falls, the theatre performances begin, offered at multiple locations simultaneously to accommodate even the youngest children, in a program that focuses on puppetry, comedy, and family variety shows.
A signature: Teatro Giovani Teatro Pirata
The festival is curated by ATGTP - Associazione Teatro Giovani Teatro Pirata, a social enterprise based in Serra San Quirico that has been a national reference point for children's theatre and education for decades. This same organization manages the historic School Theatre Review and numerous children's theatre projects, using the historic center of Serra as its natural stage. Il Paese dei Balocchi was born from this experience and is one of its most festive and popular expressions.
A community event
Over the years, the event has intertwined with the life of the town and the initiatives of the hinterland of Ancona: in 2026, the animation of the historic center will also be linked to the Festival della Terza Giovinezza (Festival of the Third Youth), the traveling project of the Territorial Social Area 10 which involves Serra San Quirico along with Fabriano, Cerreto d'Esi, Genga, and Sassoferrato, creating a bridge between generations. Visiting Serra San Quirico during Il Paese dei Balocchi means discovering one of the most beautiful villages in the Marche at its most vibrant moment, amidst history, theatre, and children's smiles.
The Land of Toys — edition 2026
The 2026 edition
Il Paese dei Balocchi will animate the historic center of Serra San Quirico from Friday, July 24 to Sunday, July 26, 2026. As tradition dictates, the afternoon is dedicated to wooden games, creative workshops, face painting, and itinerant entertainment among the village alleys, while the evening features theatre performances for families, set up at multiple locations in the historic center.
This year's entertainment is intertwined with the Festival della Terza Giovinezza (Festival of the Third Youth), the traveling project of the Territorial Social Area 10 (Fabriano, Cerreto d'Esi, Genga, Sassoferrato, and Serra San Quirico), which in Serra San Quirico will feature entertainment in the historic center precisely during the days of Il Paese dei Balocchi, from July 23 to 26, 2026.
Programme The Land of Toys 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition, including the titles of the evening shows and the list of workshops, will be published by ATGTP closer to the event. The established structure of the festival includes:
- Late afternoon (approximately from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM): wooden games, creative workshops (recycling, set design), face painting, traditional games, jugglers, magicians, and storytellers itinerant among the alleys and covered walkways of the historic center.
- Evening (approximately from 9:30 PM): children's theatre and puppetry performances, also offered simultaneously at multiple locations to accommodate children of different ages.
- Refreshment area along the route.
For updated details on titles, times, and reservations, please refer to ATGTP - Teatro Giovani Teatro Pirata ([email protected], tel. 0731 86634).
Highlights The Land of Toys 2026
- Three days of children's theatre in the medieval historic center of Serra San Quirico
- Wooden games, creative workshops, and itinerant entertainment for children and families
- Evening puppetry shows at multiple locations
- Entertainment linked to the Festival della Terza Giovinezza (July 23-26, 2026)
Prices The Land of Toys 2026
Practical information — The Land of Toys
When and where
Il Paese dei Balocchi takes place in the historic center of Serra San Quirico (AN), in the Marche region. The 2026 edition is scheduled from July 24 to 26, with games and activities in the late afternoon and evening shows.
How to get there
By car: Serra San Quirico can be reached from the SS76 of the Val d'Esino, exit Serra San Quirico, between Jesi and Fabriano. By train: Serra San Quirico station is on the Rome-Ancona line (Orte-Falconara). The nearest airport is Ancona-Falconara.
Tickets
Admission to the games village requires a ticket of a few euros (free for residents), while evening shows have a separate ticket. Booking is recommended by writing to [email protected] or calling 0731 86634.
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Where does it take place — The Land of Toys
Centro storico di Serra San Quirico