Bacchanalia

Tiriolo (centro storico) · Tiriolo, Costa Viola, Calabria

16 August 2026 – 17 August 2026

On 16 and 17 August 2026, the village of Tiriolo is preparing to host the eleventh edition of "Bacchanalia, 2200 years later", the festival that celebrates the god of wine with a unique combination of culture, music and conviviality. Located on Italy's narrowest isthmus, overlooking the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas, Tiriolo will be transformed into a widespread theatre animated by concerts, debates, gastronomic tours and moments of reflection on the present. The festival draws inspiration from the Senatus Consultum de Bacchanalibus, an ancient bronze tablet found in Tiriolo in 1638, which documents the Roman ban on Dionysian cults.

The festival

On 16 and 17 August 2026 the village of Tiriolo, in the province of Catanzaro, hosts "Bacchanalia, 2200 years later", the festival that celebrates the god of wine with a blend of culture, music and conviviality. Set on Italy's narrowest isthmus, overlooking both the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas, Tiriolo turns into a widespread theatre animated by concerts, debates, food itineraries and moments of reflection on the present. Two days in which the old town becomes the natural stage of an event that unites ancient roots and a contemporary outlook.

The history behind the event

The festival draws inspiration from the Senatus Consultum de Bacchanalibus, an ancient bronze tablet found in Tiriolo in 1638, which documents the Roman ban on Dionysian cults of 186 BC. This extraordinary artefact gave rise to the idea of reinterpreting a millennia-old story, turning it into an occasion for encounter and sharing between past and future. Bacchanalia is therefore not only a celebration of wine, but a cultural journey that brings the historical and archaeological heritage of a village with deep roots back to centre stage.

Music, food and engagement

The Bacchanalia programme weaves together concerts, meetings and food itineraries. Alongside the musical offering, the two days host debates on current affairs and social engagement, with the participation of journalists, humanitarian workers and local voices. The gastronomic route runs through the old town and brings local products and traditions into dialogue with contemporary Calabrian cuisine. There are also moments for families, with games and activities for children, and the traditional procession re-enacting the wedding of Bacchus and Ariadne.

Tiriolo, the village between two seas

Perched on the isthmus that separates the Gulf of Squillace from that of Sant'Eufemia, Tiriolo is famous for the view that, on clear days, embraces both of Calabria's seas at once. The village also preserves the tradition of the vancale, the embroidered shawl of the traditional costume, and an old town full of picturesque corners. During Bacchanalia, this setting becomes the backdrop of a festival that invites visitors to discover the area through walks and nature trails too. Other appointments of the Calabrian summer are gathered on the events in Calabria page.

Frequently asked questions

When does Bacchanalia 2026 take place?

The festival is held on 16 and 17 August 2026, with two days of concerts, meetings and food itineraries.

Where does Bacchanalia take place?

In the old town of Tiriolo, a village in the province of Catanzaro, on Italy's narrowest isthmus overlooking the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas.

What kind of event is it?

It is a festival celebrating the god of wine, combining culture, music, food and reflection, with the old town turned into a widespread theatre.

What inspired the name Bacchanalia?

The Senatus Consultum de Bacchanalibus, a bronze tablet from 186 BC found in Tiriolo in 1638, documenting the Roman ban on Dionysian cults.

Are there activities for families?

Yes, the programme includes games and activities for children, as well as the traditional procession re-enacting the wedding of Bacchus and Ariadne.

What makes Tiriolo special?

It is the village between two seas: on clear days you can admire both the Ionian and the Tyrrhenian Sea at the same time.

Related events and news

All Costa Viola events