Guardiagrele to host 56th Abruzzese Artistic Craft Fair in August

The town of Guardiagrele in Abruzzo will hold the 56th edition of the Mostra dell'Artigianato Artistico Abruzzese from 1 – 23 August, with the inauguration scheduled for 31 July at 18:00 in front of the municipal school building. The fair, presided over by Gianfranco Marsibilio, adopts the theme “Harmony” and will occupy 12‑13 exhibition spaces in the historic centre, reviving live artisan workshops, concerts by Guardiagrele Opera, a children’s art‑school campus and a daily “Carta delle botteghe” that awards prizes.

Regional officials, including Assessor Tiziana Magnacca and Under‑Secretary Daniele D’Amario, highlighted the Abruzzo government's backing, noting roughly €10 million allocated for sector digitalisation and the creation of a permanent fashion‑craft council. The programme also features exhibitions by local artist Noemi Sciarretta, the “Modesto Della Porta” dialect poetry prize, and displays of historic costumes and mosaics from regional academies. The fair aims to promote traditional craftsmanship, attract experience‑focused tourism, and foster dialogue between artisans and young designers.