Italian Photography Festival 2026: Rituals, Visions and the Sacred on Display in Casentino

When: 12 June - 6 September 2026
Where: Bibbiena (CIFA) with exhibitions and events in Poppi and Pratovecchio Stia

The Italian Photography Festival returns to the Casentino with a wide-ranging program focused on contemporary spirituality and how photography represents the sacred in everyday life. The 2026 edition, titled "Riti e Visioni. Tra spirituale e materiale" (Rituals and Visions), combines exhibitions, production projects, editorial initiatives and training activities.

The central exhibition: "Corpo a Corpo. Visioni a confronto sul sacro"

Hosted at the CIFA – Centro Italiano della Fotografia d’Autore in Bibbiena, the main show curated by Denis Curti brings together 21 photographers across 10 thematic pairings. The exhibition investigates contemporary sacredness through ritual, the body, atonement, meditative landscapes, magic, light and spiritual journeys, juxtaposing established names and emerging voices.

Featured artists and projects

Alongside the central exhibition, the "Proposte" section showcases independent projects that expand on the festival theme. Notable contributors include (but are not limited to):

• Ferdinando Scianna and Massimo Sestini – contrasting views on ritual and contemporary observation;
• Bruno Cattani, Massimo Siragusa and Fabrizio Spucches – devotion, superstition and staged practices;
• Valentino Giannini and Tarin – the body as a site of revelation and self-determination;
• Michele Borzoni, Giulio Di Sturco, Ivo Saglietti and others exploring communities, sacred landscapes and religious practices;
• Further sections address hermit traditions, female spiritualities, votive offerings and mythic iconography.

Side events and training

The festival includes talks, portfolio reviews, masterclasses, production workshops and initiatives for young photographers. It operates as a platform for research and training, integrating exhibitions and editorial projects to valorize Italian photographic heritage.

Organization and practical information

The artistic direction is led by Denis Curti and Roberto Rossi. Main venues are CIFA in Bibbiena, with additional sites in Poppi and Pratovecchio Stia. For opening times, tickets and updates consult the festival’s official channels.

Visitor tips: plan travel between venues in advance and check the exhibition calendar to catch talks and masterclasses.