Compiano and the memory of the wanderers of the Apennines

Perched in the Parma Apennines, in the upper Taro Valley, the medieval village of Compiano welcomes travellers with the silhouette of its castle and its protective walls. On 1 and 2 August, this peaceful village is transformed into a stage for the Street Artists’ Festival. The event pays tribute to the historic figure of the ‘Orsanti’ and the wandering performers who, from the 16th century onwards, left these mountains to travel throughout Europe carrying with them only the ‘passport of the light-hearted’ – not an official travel document, but a historical expression linked to the ancient wanderers and travelling performers of the Apennines. Strolling through the narrow streets, you can watch performances by acrobats, jugglers, mimes and fire-eaters, discovering an ancient tradition that combines folk theatre with historical memory. In addition to the performances, guided tours of the imposing castle and exhibitions dedicated to emigration offer an interesting opportunity to explore the cultural identity of this region in greater depth.