White Night of Books
The village of Villalago transforms into an open-air literary square
About White Night of Books
A village that becomes a book
The White Night of Books is the most anticipated cultural event of the summer in Villalago, a mountain village in the Sagittario Valley in the province of L'Aquila, tucked between the lakes of San Domenico and Scanno in the heart of Abruzzo. For one full night, the village streets come alive with words: the iconic staircase rising from Piazza Celestino Lupi to the historic center fills with publishing stands, book stalls, authors, and readers, while Piazzetta San Domenico hosts official welcomes, meetings, and concerts.
History and identity
Established around 2021 through the initiative of the L'Atelier Cultural Association, alongside numerous local entities and volunteers, the White Night of Books has grown year after year to become a staple of the Abruzzo summer calendar. The 2026 edition marks its sixth year. The event successfully combines the promotion of reading with the revitalization of a village that, like many Apennine towns, faces the challenge of depopulation: it is no coincidence that a recurring guest is cultural anthropologist Anna Rizzo, a scholar of life in minor villages.
How it works
The program spans two days. The first evening is dedicated to book presentations, with authors, historians, writers, and scholars taking turns along the staircase, interspersed with live music performances that continue well past midnight. The second day is tailored for children, featuring creative workshops, puppet shows, and figure theater to introduce younger ones to the joy of reading.
- Publishing and bookseller stands along the route
- Author presentations and cultural meetings
- Concerts and musical entertainment until late at night
- Workshops and shows for children
- Menu featuring local gastronomic specialties
The setting: Villalago and Abruzzo
Villalago is one of the most evocative villages in Abruzzo, overlooking the mountain lakes of the Sagittario Valley, just a short distance from the hermitage of San Domenico. For the Municipality of Villalago and the entire province of L'Aquila, the White Night of Books is a way to animate the historic center in the height of summer, uniting cultural tourism, independent publishing, and community tradition. In case of rain, meetings will be moved to the municipal Multi-purpose Center.
White Night of Books — edition 2026
2026 Edition
The sixth edition of the White Night of Books in Villalago is scheduled for Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 10, 2026, organized by the L'Atelier Cultural Association along the staircase rising from Piazza Celestino Lupi to the historic center.
On Saturday, August 9, from 5:00 PM in Piazzetta San Domenico, the event opens with official welcomes and music, followed by five book presentations featuring guests such as cultural anthropologist Anna Rizzo, school principal and archaeologist Giovanni Liccardo, Professor Marcello Giovannelli, writer Federico Mastrodomenico, and historian Loreto Giovannone. The evening concludes with a concert after midnight.
On Sunday, August 10, the afternoon is dedicated to children, with the creative workshop "Fold, fold, fold... your little book is ready", the figure theater show "The Princess and the Frog", and the photo exhibition "Sentimental Journey into the Past". In case of rain, meetings will be held in the municipal Multi-purpose Center.
Programme White Night of Books 2026
Saturday, August 9
- 5:00 PM – Opening in Piazzetta San Domenico with official welcomes and music
- Five book presentations with Anna Rizzo (cultural anthropologist), Giovanni Liccardo (principal and archaeologist), Marcello Giovannelli (professor), Federico Mastrodomenico (writer), and Loreto Giovannone (historian)
- Final concert after midnight
Sunday, August 10 – Children's Day
- Creative workshop "Fold, fold, fold... your little book is ready"
- Figure theater "The Princess and the Frog"
- Photo exhibition "Sentimental Journey into the Past"
Highlights White Night of Books 2026
- Sixth edition of the Villalago literary festival
- Five book presentations along the village staircase
- Live concert past midnight
- Day dedicated to children with workshops and figure theater
Prices White Night of Books 2026
Practical information — White Night of Books
Getting there
Villalago can be reached by car from Sulmona via the SR479 road of the Sagittario Valley, heading towards Scanno. The nearest train station is in Sulmona, from where you can continue via local bus lines or by car (approx. 30 km).
Admission
The event takes place in the historic center and along the staircase of Piazza Celestino Lupi. In case of bad weather, meetings are moved to the municipal Multi-purpose Center.
Tips
The village is in a mountain setting: we recommend clothing suitable for cool evening temperatures, even in August. Accommodation options are available in Scanno and throughout the Sagittario Valley.
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Where does it take place — White Night of Books
Scalinata di Piazza Celestino Lupi e centro storico