When did Corinaldo’s Festa delle Streghe start?

Corinaldo’s Halloween festival, known as Festa delle Streghe, started in 1998. It was created by the local Pro Loco association to bring visitors to the medieval town in autumn.

What happens during the Corinaldo Halloween Festival?

The Festa delle Streghe includes themed streets, live music, food stalls, costume parades, and the famous Miss Strega contest. It runs for several days and peaks on October 31.

Where is Corinaldo and how do you get there?

Corinaldo is in Le Marche, central Italy, about 18 km from Senigallia. The nearest motorway is the A14. Visitors can drive or take a train to Senigallia and continue by bus or taxi.

Is the Corinaldo Halloween festival family-friendly?

Yes. During the day, the festival offers family-friendly shows and games for children. In the evening, the atmosphere becomes livelier with concerts, street performers, and parades.

Do you need tickets for Festa delle Streghe in Corinaldo?

Most of the festival is free to enter, but certain attractions like the Fear Tunnel or special shows may require tickets or timed entry. Check the official Corinaldo tourism site for updates.

Corinaldo’s Festa delle Streghe: The Witches’ Festival (2025 Guide)

Corinaldo’s Festa delle Streghe: The Witches’ Festival (Halloween)

Corinaldo calls itself Italy’s Capital of Halloween for a reason. Each October, the town’s medieval centre becomes a village of witches and demonic creatures, and the people that attend can enjoy markets, plenty of shows and food stalls. This article explains where the festival started, how it grew, what events run during the week, as well as practical tips for getting there and enjoying the night safely.

👉 Related: you can read about how Italians celebrate Halloween here.

Origins: when and how it began

The festival began as a local idea in 1998, launched by the town’s Pro Loco association. The original aim was to create an autumn event that used Corinaldo’s historic centre as a theatrical setting. Organisers built a route of attractions and gradually added performances and markets. The festival’s official tourism pages and local event histories trace the roots back to that first edition in 1998.

The evolution: the Festival becomes big

Corinaldo’s event grew steadily through the 2000s and 2010s. Two forces helped: media coverage and tourism, and the festival’s smart use of the town’s narrow lanes and walls to stage immersive attractions. As Halloween became a broader, family-friendly cultural moment in Italy, Corinaldo positioned itself as a destination rather than a one-night party. Travel guides and national event roundups now list Corinaldo among the country’s top Halloween celebrations, which further amplified visitor numbers.

What happens at the Festa delle Streghe

The festival runs during the last days of October, usually finishing on October 31. The program changes year to year, but the recurring elements include:

Family daytime events: games for children, workshops, and “Halloween baby” activities early in the day.
Themed routes and attractions: a Fear Tunnel, a Transformation Tower, and decorated historic alleys turned into staged scenes.
Markets and food taverns: artisan stalls, local food stands, and themed taverns serving regional dishes and street food.
Live music and street performers: bands, DJ sets, and theatrical acts that continue late into the evening.
Miss Strega (Miss Witch) contest: a popular event electing a symbolic “witch” figure during the festival.
Main Halloween night: processions, costume parades, and the busiest schedule of shows and attractions.

The official Corinaldo tourism pages detail these attractions and publish the exact program each year. If you want the Fear Tunnel or Transformation Tower experience, check the town’s announcements because booking or timed access is sometimes required.

🌎 Corinaldo Tourism Facebook Page.

Visitor tips: logistics, parking and timing

Corinaldo is small and historic. Practical planning makes the difference between a smooth visit and a frustrating one.

Getting there

By car: The nearest motorway is the A14 (exit Senigallia or Marotta/Mondolfo). From there follow regional roads to Corinaldo. The town is about 40 km from Ancona–Falconara airport and roughly 18 km from the Senigallia train station. Public pages recommend using these nodes for access.
By train/bus: The best rail option is Senigallia; from there use regional buses or taxis (which can be limited during the festival). If possible, pre-book local transfers.

Parking and crowds

Park outside the historic centre. Corinaldo’s walls and narrow streets do not support heavy traffic. The municipality sets up temporary parking zones and recommends leaving cars at official lots and walking into the center. The town tourism site has specific parking maps each year. Expect long queues on peak nights.
Arrive early. If you want to see daytime family shows and avoid the largest crowds, arrive in the afternoon. Evening peak times (the main Halloween night) are very busy and may include entry points.

What to bring and Safety

Dress for the weather — late October can be cold and rainy in Le Marche. Wear comfortable shoes; the streets are cobbled.
Carry small cash for food stalls (many accept cards but small vendors may prefer cash).
Plan meeting points if you go in a group — mobile signal can be weak inside the old town with dense crowds.
Check accessibility: historic routes with steps and narrow alleys are not ideal for strollers or limited mobility. Organisers usually publish accessibility information before the festival.

Accommodation and bookings

Book early. Hotels, B&Bs and agriturismi nearby fill up fast in October. If you plan to stay overnight, reserve weeks in advance.
Read the official program. Corinaldo’s tourism portal posts the year’s timetable and any ticketing requirements for events like the Fear Tunnel or special evening shows.

When to go: timing advice

Family-friendly visits: go during daytime shows (Saturday & Sunday daytime slots in the festival week).
Full nightlife experience: arrive on the main Halloween night (Oct 31) but expect heavier crowds, queues and closures.
Quieter experience: visit earlier in the festival week (mid to late October) when programming starts and crowds are smaller.

Quick cultural note

Corinaldo’s festival is an example of how local identity and tourism can merge: a small town using its historic assets to create a themed event that appeals to families, nightlife crowds and cultural tourists.

Key takeaways

The Festa delle Streghe started in 1998 and grew through smart programming and media exposure.
The event mixes family shows, themed attractions, markets, music and the popular Miss Strega contest.
Plan logistics: use A14 exits, park in official lots, arrive early, and book accommodation ahead of time.