Get ready to immerse yourself in a spectacular fusion of art and nature at the Lunaria Festival. Taking place the weekend of June 17-18 within the enchanting grounds of the Calenzano Alto Castle, located just 11 kilometers (seven miles) north of Florence, the performing arts street festival embraces the forces of water, fire, air, and earth as its central theme. The sixth installment of the festival features over 70 artists exhibiting their personal take on these central elements.
Lunaria is set against a medieval backdrop, built mainly in the 13th century, which is divided into four distinct areas representing each sub-theme. Admission price is €8 for adults, with a reduced rate of €6 for children ages 6 to 12; children under six can enter for free. The festival runs from 7 to 11:45 pm and features street food stands located at Piazza San Niccolò, Piazza Belvedere, and in the garden of the Castle. Indulge in truffle-based appetizers from Mugello Tartufi, artisanal beer from Birrificio Aries, hot panini, delectable sweets from Emma’s Baking, and gelato.
Buses 2 and 57 run to Calenzano respectively from Piazza Dalmazia and the Stazione Leopolda in Florence. “There will be itinerant artists so that all of Calenzano Alto is enlivened by the magic of the festival. Many come from various parts of Italy, a sign that the event is recognized for its quality” said Emiliano Buttaroni and Evelyn di Biase of Le Petit Voyage, the artistic directors of Lunaria.
Lux Arcana, representing the element of fire, will ignite stage 10 with their mesmerizing fire dance and pyrotechnic displays while they tell stories of a time past at 9:30 pm and 11 pm. Biliku Aerial Dance Show takes to the skies with a breathtaking performance, drawing inspiration from Nichiren Daishon in Buddhism and the Lotus Sutra, embodying the element of air. Catch Biliku Aerial Dance Show on stage 9 at 8:30 pm and 10 pm. Robert Tiso will enchant audiences with his ethereal water-inspired melodies played on the glass harp. He will be on stage 12 at 9 pm and 10 pm. La Chiocciola, showcasing the grounded power of earth through their Koshi, handmade Japanese ringing bells, will be on stage 6 throughout the festival.
Lux Arcana, representing the element of fire, will ignite the stage with a mesmerizing fire dance and pyrotechnic displays that tells stories of a time past. Biliku Aerial Dance Show takes to the skies with a breathtaking performance, drawing inspiration from Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism and the Lotus Sutra, embodying the element of air. Robert Tiso will enchant audiences with his ethereal water-inspired melodies played on the glass harp, while La Chiocciola showcases the grounded power of earth through their Koshi, handmade Japanese ringing bells. These artists are just a few of the representatives of the elements that embody this year’s festival.
At the Lunaria Festival, prepare to be enthralled by the exceptional talent and boundless creativity of over 70 artists. The medieval village and castle provide the perfect backdrop, infusing the air with an unmistakable energy that amplifies the impact of each artist’s interpretation of the elemental forces. As they share their personal connections with their respective elements, spectators are invited to embrace fresh perspectives and forge new emotional connections. This celebration of art, nature, and the limitless human imagination promises to be an unforgettable experience. (Jonah Foster)
