ViColorando - Painting Competition

ViColorando, the village turned into a canvas

ViColorando is an outdoor painting competition that brings the historic center of Sant'Agata di Puglia to life every autumn. This small village in the Monti Dauni area of the Foggia province holds the 'Orange Flag' from the Italian Touring Club. The name itself is a wordplay combining the Italian words for alleys (vicoli) and coloring (colorare): for one day, the paved streets, stairways, and most characteristic corners of the medieval village become a natural easel for dozens of artists painting live.

How it works

From the morning, registered painters spread out across the historic center to create a work inspired by the town's views throughout the day. Each artist is free to choose their subject and preferred technique, from oil and watercolor to tempera and mixed media. The event highlights the scenic and architectural beauty of Sant'Agata, including stone portals, valley vistas, and hidden perspectives that visitors discover while strolling alongside the artists at work.

The 'Salvatore Laratro' Prize

At the end of the day, the works are collected and exhibited at the Pro Loco premises, where a qualified jury awards the prizes. The heart of the competition is the 'Salvatore Laratro' Prize, dedicated to the memory of the esteemed artist, featuring purchase awards for the top finishers, as well as trophies, plaques, and certificates of participation for all entrants. The winning works become part of the artistic heritage associated with the event.

Organizers

ViColorando is promoted by the Pro Loco 'Pierino Donofrio' APS with the patronage and collaboration of the Municipality of Sant'Agata di Puglia. Reaching its nineteenth edition in 2025, the event is now a consolidated fixture in the Monti Dauni cultural calendar, attracting painters from all over Puglia and neighboring regions.

The village and the Puglia of the Monti Dauni

Perched at an altitude of over 750 meters, Sant'Agata di Puglia is one of the most evocative villages in inland Puglia: the castle, the medieval alleys, and the panoramas stretching across the Daunian Apennines provide the ideal backdrop for a day dedicated to art. ViColorando is the perfect opportunity to combine the discovery of this stone village with the experience of live painting, in a direct dialogue between artists, residents, and the visitors who crowd the narrow streets to watch the works take shape.