Festival of Wonder 2026: Stories Shaping the Present (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• Festival of Wonder returns to Laveno Mombello and Luino from May 8 to 24, 2026
• Theme of the edition: “History, stories, and little stories”
• Events between philosophy, science, art, and journalism

Key facts

• What: IV edition of the Festival of Wonder
• When: May 8-10 (Laveno Mombello), until May 24 (Luino)
• Where: Laveno Mombello and Luino, Lake Maggiore
• Who: Organized with national and international guests
• Amount: Not yet specified

From May 8 to 10, 2026, Laveno Mombello and Luino will transform into a crossroads of ideas and visions with the return of the Festival of Wonder. The fourth edition of the festival, dedicated to the theme “History, stories, and little stories,” weaves together philosophy, science, art, and journalism to create an open and contemporary dialogue. The festival has established itself as a cultural laboratory spread across the territory of Lake Maggiore, involving young people, institutions, and local communities.

Program and participants

The festival opens on Friday, May 8, with an introductory dialogue on journalism between “History, stories, and little stories” with Marco Giovannelli, director of VareseNews. On Saturday, May 9, the program includes workshops, exhibitions, and performances, with the participation of experts such as Stefano Caserini of the University of Parma and Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer, a multi-award-winning Dutch writer. On Sunday, May 10, the festival continues with debates and exhibitions, including “Stories make worlds” and “Where do we come from, who are we, where are we going?”

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Operational details

Practical Analysis

The 2026 Festival of Wonder represents a unique opportunity for cross-border workers who commute to Ticino and reside in Lombardy. The geographical proximity of the host locations, Laveno Mombello and Luino, makes it easy to participate in events without having to undertake long journeys. This is particularly advantageous for those seeking to balance work and social life, offering an opportunity to enrich their free time with cultural activities.

Cultural and Social Implications

The festival provides a platform for dialogue and discussion on current and historical topics, promoting a sense of community among participants. For cross-border workers, this can mean an opportunity to meet new people, exchange ideas, and create social bonds that go beyond the work context. Cultural events can also offer a moment of relaxation and leisure, helping to reduce stress and improve psycho-physical well-being.

Educational Opportunities

The festival program includes workshops and exhibitions that may be of interest to cross-border workers looking to deepen their knowledge on topics such as the European Union, nature, and history. These events offer the opportunity to learn in an informal and interactive context, making learning more accessible and enjoyable. Furthermore, participation in such events can enrich the curriculum vitae, demonstrating an interest in culture and continuous education.

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Key points

Action

For cross-border workers who wish to participate in the Festival of Wonder 2026, it's important to plan ahead for your participation. Here are some useful steps to make the most of the experience:

Planning

1. Check the schedule: Visit the official festival website to discover the full calendar of events and plan your participation based on your interests and availability. 2. Book in advance: Some events may require booking or have limited seats. Make sure to book in advance to secure your access. 3. Organize transportation: If you live in Ticino, consider public or shared transportation options to reach Laveno Mombello and Luino. Lake Maggiore is well connected by public transport and ferries.

Participation

1. Attend workshops: Workshops offer a unique opportunity to learn and interact with experts in various fields. Don't miss the chance to participate in workshops like 'How to tell the story of the European Union' or 'How to tell the story of nature'. 2. Visit exhibitions: Exhibitions like 'Stories make worlds' and 'Where do we come from, who are we, where are we going?' offer insights into current and historical themes. Take the time to explore these exhibitions to enrich your understanding. 3. Attend performances: Performances and children's workshops offer an opportunity to have fun and socialize. Bring your family and enjoy moments of entertainment together.

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