Lunaria 2024, the festival of street arts in the medieval town of Calenzano Alto, located between Florence and Prato, promises a mesmerising experience this year with its quirky theme, ”Il circo dei freaks” or Freak Show. June 15 and 16 will see the historic streets of the village come alive with the talent and creativity of over 100 participants and artists.
Visitors can look forward to acts such as jugglers, acrobats, trampolinists, magicians, in addition to games and more. Guests will be welcomed by an experimental dance performance by Miosotys Dans Academy, 30 people strong and entitled ‘’clown’s laugh,’ which will take place in the circus tent. The festival will also welcome acts including but not limited to, ‘Poupée Brigitte’’ an animated wax-doll from France who sings old French melodies, aerial artists ‘’Flying Sugar, Daughters of the Moon’’ and the band ‘’Quei Bravi Ragazzi’’ performing a wide array of uplifting and well-known music.
No matter which show a guest opts to watch, Lunaria is certain to thrill and charm all who encounter it. Defining itself as the meeting point between theater and life, the festival explores the importance of art within the reality of the present day.
The town castle’s garden will host a small tent within which Victorian music boxes will enhance the circus ambiance. In a genuine celebration of unity, talent and fascination the Lunaria embraces the unusual, eccentric and authentic, particularly for this year’s circus-themed edition.
A highlight of this year’s festival will be the participation of Calenzano residents, who will join the festivities after having attended a special ”Waiting for Lunaria” workshop earlier in the year.
For the first time, the festival will extend its vibrant activities beyond the village walls, tickets for this event can be reserved at the box office upon arrival, located on Via delle Torre and Via del Castello-city centre side.
Admission is €8 euro, €6 for children aged 6 to 12, Coop and ATC.members, with free entry for children under 6. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the Ticket One Circuit. Box offices open at 6 pm and the event will run from 7 pm to midnight. Food and refreshments, including panini, pasta, hamburgers, craft beer, cocktails and desserts will be available at various points in the village.
The recommended parking areas are near Civic Library, in via Garibaldi and in the city centre. All information about www.lunariacalenzano.it or follow the event on the Facebook page Calenzanoeventi. (Lucy Turner)
