Tocatì: the International Festival of Street Games in Verona

Tradition takes over the urban space

From September 18 to 20, the city of Verona welcomes Tocatì, the International Festival of Street Games. The event, having solidified its role in the European cultural landscape, transforms the Scaliger urban fabric into an open-air theater dedicated to the rediscovery of gaming traditions. The squares and alleys of the historic center, a World Heritage site, serve as a natural setting for an event that weaves medieval and Renaissance architecture with the vitality of folk cultures.

An intangible heritage in motion

Born in 2003 on the initiative of the Associazione Giochi Antichi, the festival acts as a guardian of an often-forgotten cultural heritage. The event is not limited to the simple execution of gaming disciplines, but aims to preserve the collective memory of communities that, through play, hand down specific gestures, rules, and identities. Every corner of the city becomes a witness to a dialogue between past and present, where players are not mere performers, but true custodians of ancient knowledge.

Cultural exchanges between ancient disciplines

The Tocatì program includes the participation of numerous gaming communities from Italy and abroad. The streets of Verona host demonstrations of traditional games ranging from competitions of strength and skill to logic and strategy pastimes, reflecting the geographical and anthropological diversity of the participants. This convergence transforms public space into a crossroads of different cultures, fostering direct interaction between visitors and the protagonists of the various disciplines.

Experience and active participation

In addition to performances, the event offers a rich schedule of shows, in-depth studies, and side activities. The transversal approach allows the public to approach the game not only as a spectator, but as an active participant in a dimension of democratic sharing. The cultural proposal is completed with meetings and debates that emphasize the safeguarding of traditional games within modern urban dynamics.

Logistical information

The event is accessible to all visitors. Activities take place in the main squares of the center of Verona. To consult the detailed program, the times of individual gaming sessions, and how to participate in workshops, it is recommended to refer to the official website of the event. Real-time updates on traffic changes or schedule variations are available at information points strategically placed in the city during the three days of the festival.