Weekend da Favola
A weekend dedicated to children and imagination in the village of Santa Maria Maggiore
About Weekend da Favola
Three days of magic for the little ones
Every summer, the village of Santa Maria Maggiore, the main town of the Vigezzo Valley in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province (Piedmont), reserves a special weekend for children and families. Weekend da Favola is a highly appreciated event that turns the historic center into a grand stage for fairytale decorations and activities dedicated to children: throughout the event, the streets and squares of the village are dressed in magic, with scenery and small corners inspired by fairy tales.
Shows, readings, and traditional games
The program weaves together different genres tailored for children: theatrical and circus-theater shows for families, animated readings, artistic performances, workshops, and the beloved "grandparents' games" circuit, featuring wooden toys from the past. Many events take place in the green setting of Parco Villa Antonia and in the spaces of the center, with the possibility of moving to the Teatro Comunale in case of bad weather. The festival also collaborates with the Terra e Laghi Festival, which brings high-quality theater for families to the Vigezzo Valley.
An Orange Flag village in the Alps
Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the most beloved villages in the Ossola region: the birthplace of chimney sweeps and home to the International Chimney Sweep Gathering, it preserves a compact and well-kept historic center, with the Casa del Profumo and its aromatic garden among its iconic landmarks. Experiencing the Weekend da Favola here means combining the excitement of a children's event with the discovery of a town rich in history and traditions, nestled in the woods and mountains of the Vigezzo Valley.
Why attend
Weekend da Favola is the ideal choice for a family trip between late July and the Piedmontese summer: free or low-cost shows, outdoor activities, a fairytale atmosphere, and a welcoming village. It is a way to treat children to three days of fantasy and to discover the authentic charm of the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola mountains, away from the most crowded destinations.
Weekend da Favola — edition 2026
From July 17 to 19, 2026, Santa Maria Maggiore returns to dedicate an entire weekend to children and imagination. The historic center of the village transforms into a stage of fairytale settings that frame shows, music, and meetings. Among the main events are the theatrical performances for families included in the Terra e Laghi Festival, the double traveling musical show by the Prisma Banda that enlivens the village streets with colors and rhythm, and a guide to listening to a famous opera conducted by Renata Sacchi and Roberto Bassa. On Saturday, July 18, at 10:30 AM, children's author Roberto Morgese presents his latest book in the aromatic garden of the Casa del Profumo.
Programme Weekend da Favola 2026
Friday, July 17 - Sunday, July 19, 2026
Throughout the weekend, the historic center of Santa Maria Maggiore is decorated with fairytale-themed installations.
- Theatrical performances for families as part of the Terra e Laghi Festival
- Prisma Banda - double traveling musical show through the village streets
- Guide to listening to a famous opera with Renata Sacchi and Roberto Bassa
- Saturday, July 18, 10:30 AM - Presentation of the new book by children's author Roberto Morgese, in the aromatic garden of the Casa del Profumo
The detailed program with all schedules will be published by the organization closer to the event.
Highlights Weekend da Favola 2026
Moments not to be missed in the 2026 edition: the double show by the Prisma Banda bringing music and color to the streets of the center; the theatrical performances for families of the Terra e Laghi Festival; the opera listening guide with Renata Sacchi and Roberto Bassa; the presentation of Roberto Morgese's children's book in the garden of the Casa del Profumo.
Prices Weekend da Favola 2026
Practical information — Weekend da Favola
Location
Santa Maria Maggiore (VB), Vigezzo Valley. The events take place in the historic center, at Parco Villa Antonia, and, in case of bad weather, at the Teatro Comunale.
How to get there
By car from the A26 motorway (Gravellona Toce exit), then take the SS33 Sempione road and the SS337 Vigezzo Valley road. By train, you can reach the village via the scenic Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway (Domodossola-Locarno line), Santa Maria Maggiore stop.
Information and contacts
Some activities are free, others require a small contribution and booking via the Pro Loco. For the updated program and schedules: Tourist Office, tel. +39 0324 95091, e-mail [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Weekend da Favola
Centro storico e Parco Villa Antonia
Centro storico, 28857 Santa Maria Maggiore