The festival, whose name means “The Moon in the Well,” is one of Italy’s most important street theater festivals and regularly attracts artists from around the world. Yet the atmosphere is completely different from that of traditional cultural events—no large halls or separate stages. Small squares, the waterfront, colorful houses, and narrow Venetian alleys all become stages, where spectators stand just a few meters away from the performers.
When the Entire City Becomes a Stage
That’s exactly what makes the festival so special. The evening begins slowly, with the first lights of the streetlamps and music wafting through the streets. Gradually, however, the center of Caorle fills with people, and every nook and cranny offers a different surprise. In one square, an acrobatic show takes place high above the audience’s heads; a few streets away, live music plays, and children watch a puppet show or clowns improvising right among the audience.
The festival brings together many forms of modern and traditional street art—from contemporary circus and juggling to theater, dance, and visual performances.
A tradition that has been alive in Caorle for decades
La Luna nel Pozzo has been held for more than three decades and has become an integral part of the city’s cultural identity. Each year, the festival brings dozens of artists and troupes from various European countries and other parts of the world. According to the organizers, it is one of the most significant events of its kind in Europe.
The setting itself also plays a major role. Caorle’shistoric center, with its pastel-colored houses, fishing village atmosphere, and small squares, creates a backdrop that feels almost cinematic. Evening performances by the sea or among the old Venetian houses have a completely different energy than a traditional theater stage.
A Festival for Children and Adults
Although the festival is of very high artistic quality, it is not intended solely for lovers of alternative theater. On the contrary—a large part of the program is accessible to families with children. Children are often directly involved in the performances; artists engage with the audience, and the entire festival center feels more like a vast, interactive world of fantasy.
The program also includes storytelling, community games, improv, and evening fire rituals and musical performances. Some parts of the festival go on late into the night, giving the town a completely different, almost dreamlike atmosphere.
When does the festival take place?
The festival traditionally takes place at the end of August and beginning of September. This year’s edition is scheduled for September 3–6, 2026, and the program takes place in several parts of Caorle’s historic center as well as in surrounding areas. Most performances are outdoors, and many events are free.
Why is it worth a visit?
There are plenty of summer events along the Italian coast, but few have an atmosphere as unique as La Luna nel Pozzo. It’s not just a festival. It’s several evenings during which the entire town comes alive with art, imagination, and emotion.
And that’s precisely where its magic lies—you never know exactly what awaits you around the next corner. Maybe an acrobat on a tightrope above people’s heads. Maybe a quiet, poetic performance. Or just music, lights, and the sea breeze. For more information and the current program, visit the festival’s official website.
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