Gibellina Orestiads 2026

From 26 June to 2 August 2026, the Orestiadi Festival returns to Gibellina, one of Italy’s most important festivals dedicated to theatre, music, dance and the contemporary arts. The 2026 edition takes on special significance, celebrating Gibellina’s designation as the Italian Capital of Contemporary Art, thereby confirming the town’s role as a meeting point for memory, artistic exploration and cultural innovation.

Created to transform the scars of the Belice earthquake into an international hub for art and culture, the Festival continues to foster a dialogue between contemporary forms of expression and major social issues, involving some of the leading figures on the Italian cultural scene. Artists taking part include, amongst others, Roberto Andò, Mimmo Paladino, Donatella Finocchiaro, Vincenzo Pirrotta, Marco Paolini, Antonio Rezza, Isabella Ragonese, Paolo Fresu, Antonio Dimartino and many more.

Among the most eagerly awaited events is the return of Emilio Isgrò’s *L’Orestea*, restaged in a new production within the fascinating setting of Alberto Burri’s *Grande Cretto* – a symbolic site of Gibellina’s memory and identity, where contemporary art and landscape merge to create a unique experience.

The festival features a packed programme of shows, concerts, performances, talks and original productions taking place across the city’s main cultural venues.

Read the full festival programme to discover all the shows, events and featured artists of the 2026 edition of the Gibellina Orestiads.