Side Events

A two-day creative workshop, “Personae”, led by Italian artist Lucia Peruch (Mutoid Waste Company). Participants create an individual artistic headpiece, a wearable artwork that expresses their own personality. At the heart of the workshop is a free creative process using recycled and second-life materials, guided by the artist who shares her technical know-how on materials, construction and wearability. No previous experience is required. The workshop is held in Italian and is open to a maximum of 12 participants aged 16 and over.

A creative workshop for children aged 6 to 11 in Hofburgplatz. Together with upcycling artist Cristinarosa Pizzinini, they will create imaginative water creatures from plastic bottles, forming part of a growing collective artwork that will be displayed and illuminated during the Water Light Festival. In a playful way, the activity invites children to explore plastic as a material that can be reused and creatively transformed. No previous experience is required; participation is free and no registration is necessary (maximum 20 children at a time).

A participatory dance performance by Mara Oscar Cassiani taking place in the Rapp Gardens. Inspired by the Italian balera tradition, the project brings together local participants to create a large collective dance, uniting people of different generations and backgrounds. The dance floor becomes a space for encounter, expression and shared experience — a poetic image of unity in diversity. Preparatory rehearsals are planned, but spontaneous participation is also welcome; all that is required is a willingness to move and be guided by the music.

Registration within 24.04.26 via Mail to hanna.bizjak(at)brixen.org.

The Upcycling Convention (UpCon) is an open community festival that highlights creative reuse and sustainable lifestyles in South Tyrol. Its aim is to promote upcycling as a practical response to resource waste and to encourage a more conscious use of materials. Workshops, a market featuring local initiatives, shared food moments and music create a lively setting for meeting, learning and inspiration — open to people of all ages.

The conference features climate journalist Ferdinando Cotugno, a leading voice in environmental communication.

The event looks at the ecological crisis not only as a break with past development models, but as a chance to rethink collective action, political responsibility, and the stories we tell about the future. Drawing on his work, Cotugno will argue for moving beyond apocalyptic narratives towards more practical, solution-oriented approaches.

It will also explore the links between environmental action and peace, showing how climate change reshapes inequalities, conflicts, and cooperation, and why multilateralism needs to be rethought to build a more sustainable and just future. Language: EN

A camper-style truck, fully energy self-sufficient, transforms the former Schenoni barracks area into a travelling open-air cinema. Powered by a photovoltaic system and equipped with projection technology, it will screen the Japanese animated film “Grave of the Fireflies” (Studio Ghibli) in its original language with English subtitles. Chairs and benches invite the audience to enjoy a shared cinema experience under the stars. Recommended for ages 12 and over, free admission (maximum capacity 120 people). In case of rain, the screening will be brought forward to 8 May or postponed to 10 May.

To conclude the festival and mark the International Day of Light, the group Games With Flames presents the large-scale fire performance “IMAGINE PEACE” in the former Schenoni barracks area. This spectacular production combines theatre, fire, visual effects and sculptural elements to create a powerful narrative about war, destruction and the longing for peace. Through surreal and striking images, the absurdity of conflict becomes visible — along with the hope for a world in which violence can give way to a desire for peace. A powerful reminder that peace must be protected and safeguarded every day, wherever we live.

On 16 May, the Brixen Water Light Festival gathers into an evening of particular radiance. In conjunction with the International Day of Light and the early celebration of the International Day Against Homophobia, the city makes a conscious statement for visibility and diversity. At WunderBar, a rainbow-coloured queer party will take place, with the Eurovision Song Contest broadcast live from Vienna – alongside popcorn and ice cream. As part of the vibrant Water Light Festival, visitors can also join two guided festival tours (in German and Italian), starting at 9.00 pm in front of WunderBar. Registration is requested at info(at)queerb.it