Umoristi a Marostica - Mostra Internazionale di Grafica Umoristica
Edition 2026 Visual arts Photography Contemporary art

Umoristi a Marostica - Mostra Internazionale di Grafica Umoristica

The great international exhibition of humorous graphics, in the Castello Superiore

Marostica — Vicenza (024) Since 1969
Dates 09 May — 07 Jun 2026
Location Marostica (024)
Prices Free
Status Confirmed

About Umoristi a Marostica

Since 1969, Marostica has been the Italian capital of drawn satire. "Umoristi a Marostica" is the historic international exhibition of humorous graphics that annually gathers hundreds of cartoons and drawings from around the world on a given theme. Set up in the halls of the Castello Superiore, the 52nd edition in 2026 revolves around the theme of "Hope" with 396 artists from 62 countries. Free admission.

More than half a century of drawn satire

"Umoristi a Marostica" is the International Exhibition of Humorous Graphics held in Marostica, in the province of Vicenza, since 1969. Organized by the Gruppo Grafico Marosticense, it is one of the longest-running and most prestigious graphic satire and humour exhibitions in Italy, attracting cartoonists, illustrators, and artists from every continent.

A different theme every year

The heart of the event is the international competition: each edition proposes a theme on which artists are invited to engage with the weapon of satire. The selected works are exhibited in the evocative halls of the Castello Superiore, the medieval manor that dominates the town. A special jury awards the prizes, including the prestigious International Grand Prix "Scacchiera", which echoes the city's chess symbol.

A heritage for the city

Over the decades, the exhibition has amassed a historical archive of over 13,000 works, from 1969 to the present day, recently transferred to public ownership: a unique heritage of international graphic and satirical culture. "Umoristi a Marostica" confirms Marostica's cultural vocation and enriches Veneto's offerings with an event that combines art, irony, and reflection on current affairs.

Umoristi a Marostica — edition 2026

The 52nd edition of "Umoristi a Marostica" has the theme "Hope," interpreted through the crises and tensions of our time. The Castello Superiore exhibits works by 396 artists from 62 countries. The awards ceremony takes place on May 9, with the 2026 Grand Prix "Scacchiera" awarded to Iran's Heibat Ahmadi.

The 52nd edition of "Umoristi a Marostica" (May 9 – June 7, 2026) chooses "Hope" as its theme, explored through the lens of satire during a time marked by global crises and tensions. The halls of the Castello Superiore host the works selected from the submissions of 396 artists from 62 countries. The jury presidency is entrusted to Mariagrazia Quaranta, to whom the "Salone d'Autore" exhibition space is dedicated. Among the new features of this edition is the debut of the Elena Xausa Prize.

Programme Umoristi a Marostica 2026

Opening and Awards Ceremony

  • Saturday, May 9, 2026, 5:00 PM — Awards Ceremony, Castello Superiore

2026 Prizes

  • International Grand Prix "Scacchiera": Heibat Ahmadi (Iran)
  • "Sandro Carlesso" Prize: Amir Dehghan (Iran)
  • "Marco Sartore" Prize: Francesca Vignaga (Italy)
  • "Elena Xausa" Prize (debut): Tuna Ceylan (Turkey)
  • International Prize: awarded to ten artists from various countries

Exhibition

  • May 9 – June 7, 2026 — Exhibition of selected works in the halls of the Castello Superiore, open on weekends and public holidays

Highlights Umoristi a Marostica 2026

Theme "Hope", 396 artists from 62 countries. Grand Prix "Scacchiera" awarded to Heibat Ahmadi (Iran). Debut of the Elena Xausa Prize.

Prices Umoristi a Marostica 2026

Free admission.

Practical information — Umoristi a Marostica

How to get there

Marostica (VI) is reachable by car from the A31 (Dueville exit) or from Vicenza Nord, then take the SP248 towards Bassano del Grappa. The Castello Superiore can be reached on foot from the town centre along the walls, with a short panoramic climb.

Admission

Admission to the exhibition is free.

Opening Hours

Open on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) with morning and afternoon hours; consult the official website for updated times.

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Where does it take place — Umoristi a Marostica

Castello Superiore di Marostica

Castello Superiore, 36063 Marostica

Contact Umoristi a Marostica

Umoristi a Marostica in brief

Visual arts Photography Contemporary art Literature Comic book Outdoor Free International Vicenza

History of Umoristi a Marostica