"Madness is a historical category: every age produces its own forms of madness, and through them defines itself. To investigate them is not to judge, but to understand. What seems self-evident today may appear incomprehensible tomorrow, while what was once dismissed as madness may reveal an uncomfortable truth or a missed opportunity. Madnesses is an invitation to look at history without illusions and to explore the subtle—and ever-shifting—boundary between normality and the abyss."

This is how the theme of the Ancona History Festival is introduced on the festival's official website. Now in its eighth edition, the festival—dedicated this year to the theme "Madnesses" (Follie)—will take place at the Mole Vanvitelliana from 3 to 6 September 2026.

Among the many events on the programme, we would like to highlight:

Sunday, 6 September 2026
5:00 p.m. | Sala Vanvitelli
Madness at the Opera: Representing the Tyrant from Nabucco to the Present Day
Carlotta Sorba
Claudia Palmarucci
Paola Nicolini
in conversation with Simona Antolini
A journey through opera, history, and developmental psychology inspired by a series of illustrated books for young readers. Beginning with some of opera's greatest stories, the discussion explores emotions, power, and the tyrant's madness, showing how opera can become an educational tool for understanding the complexity of human relationships and history.

Admission to all events is free, with no reservation required.

For further information, please visit the Ancona History Festival website.