On May 23–24, 2026, within the historic settings of Villa Widmann and Villa Moscheni Volpi along the Riviera del Brenta, the first edition of Ancestrale Festival – La Società Dolce will take place: a new cultural event dedicated to the rebirth of community spirit and the practice of hope. Inspired by ancestral wisdom, the model of bees as teachers, and harmony with nature, the festival offers meetings, talks, performances, and immersive activities open to everyone.

The theme of this first edition, “Practicing Hope”, invites participants to rediscover the strength of human connections, shared care, and active participation as tools to face the present with a regenerative perspective.

All activities and talks will be held and/or explained in Italian, unless otherwise specified. The lecture by Koen Vanmechelen will be held in English.

All events are free of charge, with reservation required via Eventbrite. In case of rain, outdoor activities will be moved indoors. Visitors attending the festival can access the exhibitions at Villa Widmann at a reduced admission fee of €5.

PROGRAMME

Exhibitions (May 12 – June 5)

Wild Gene, mural exhibition by Koen Vanmechelen at Villa Moscheni Volpi
Ancestrale, photographic exhibition by Giuseppe La Spada at Villa Widmann
Collective Memory, sculptures by Koen Vanmechelen at Villa Widmann

May 23

11:00 AM – The Bee Goddess, interactive conference on ancestral culture with Veronica Morosi, Villa Widmann
3:00 PM – The Apiary of the Senses, guided visits to the Nido d’Ape apiary, Azienda Agricola Angolo di Paradiso (donation-based event)
5:00 PM – Wild Gene, A Lecture, interactive conference by Koen Vanmechelen (ENG), Villa Moscheni Volpi
7:00 PM – Footsteps on the Wind, short film screening with live music by Maya Sanbar, Villa Widmann

Lunch break and Reale Veg aperitif (not included), Park of Villa Moscheni Volpi

May 24

10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM – Waggle Dance – Sharing the Gifts, workshop on the ancestral dance of bees, Villa Moscheni Volpi
4:30 PM – We Are Soul, presentation with author Stefania Zani, Villa Widmann
5:30 PM – Rain of Stars, storytelling walk through the park with teacher Chiara Ciutto and Rudolf Steiner School Oriago
6:00 PM – Hope, artistic ritual of reconnection with Carola Minincleri Colussi, Villa Moscheni Volpi
6:30 PM – Waggle Party – Celebration for the Bees, dance and percussion with Maestro Vanni Vespani, Villa Moscheni Volpi

Lunch break and Reale Veg aperitif (not included), Park of Villa Moscheni Volpi

Ancestrale Festival is a project by Honeybee ETS, under the patronage of the Municipality of Mira and with the cultural direction of Carola Minincleri Colussi. The festival was created to connect art, nature, and community through a shared experience of care and transformation, immersed in the natural beauty of the Riviera del Brenta.

Information and contacts: www.ancestralefestival.art - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Instagram: @ancestrale_festival