Discover how the Italian Cultural Festival brings “Italian Cultural Festival” magic to Playa del Carmen with The Divine Comedy adaptation and La Dolce Vita gastronomic showcase.
Playa del Carmen’s Italian community, backed by Mayor Estefanía Mercado’s government, will host the eighth edition of the Italian Cultural Festival on June 13 and 14 at Teatro de La Ciudad. This year’s highlight will be a stage adaptation of Dante Alighieri’s epic The Divine Comedy, directed by Clínzia Martina and featuring more than 30 artists.
At a press conference, Estefanía Hernández, Municipal Secretary of Tourism, announced that the festival will also include La Dolce Vita, a food fair inspired by Italy’s small villages. Local restaurants will offer pasta, pizza and other authentic dishes in a specially designed area inside Teatro de La Ciudad.
“We want everyone to experience this unique celebration of our roots and the magic of theater. Beyond the performers on stage, we’ll showcase 25 visual works. Our goal is to fill the venue’s 700 seats and strengthen cultural tourism,” Hernández said. By mixing theater, visual art and gastronomy, organizers expect to draw both residents and visitors.
Hernández stressed that the Italian Cultural Festival does more than entertain families—it supports artistic growth among children and young people. “Creating these opportunities can transform lives,” she said. Her comments underscored the local government’s commitment to expanding access to cultural events.
Clínzia Martina, artistic director of the festival, noted that the event has celebrated Italian heritage in Mexico since 2009. “The Italian Cultural Festival highlights Italy’s rich culture and fosters an exchange of ideas between Italy and Mexico,” she said. This year’s staging of The Divine Comedy will track the soul’s journey through Hell, Purgatory and Paradise. Martina added that the adaptation will deliver a moving theatrical experience that balances drama, music and visual design.
The director of On Stage Academy, Martina has championed this production as one of the festival’s most significant achievements. She pointed out that bringing Dante’s text to life with a cast of more than 30—including singers, actors and a choir—is both ambitious and groundbreaking for the festival.
Among the featured performers are Silvia Loza, Alondra Astrid, Carolina Rivera, Abril Gálvez and Salvador Rivas. Their combined expertise in singing and acting will drive the production’s emotional core, bringing Dante’s characters to the screen and stage. Martina noted that staging The Divine Comedy in a city known for its sun and beaches adds an unexpected layer of contrast, reminding audiences that profound art can thrive anywhere.
In addition to the theatrical production, visual artists will display 25 works across multiple media. These pieces will complement the themes of Dante’s Inferno, Purgatory and Paradise, inviting festival-goers to explore the narrative through paintings, sculptures and mixed-media installations.
La Dolce Vita, the festival’s culinary segment, will feature local chefs and restaurateurs who have collaborated to create menus inspired by Italian villages. Attendees can sample classic dishes such as fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza and regional specialties like arancini and cannoli. Hernández emphasized that showcasing local restaurants will help strengthen the area’s economy while providing an authentic taste of Italy.
The Italian Cultural Festival also benefits from sponsorships by a variety of local and international partners. Romeo Schiff Creative and María Gallo Production are co-presenting the event alongside Hierba Santa Showtime, Casa Sofía, Casa Sofía Pastry and Café, Emporio del Helado, Salón 3D and the International Film and Series Festival production company. The Honorary Consulate of the Italian Republic lends diplomatic support, ensuring that programming honors Italian traditions accurately.
At the press conference, Hernández and Martina appeared with Michele Vivían, one of the festival’s sponsors; María Gallo, director of the Riviera Maya Dance Month Festival; and Daniela Jauregui, president of Playa del Carmen’s Citizen Council of Science, Culture and the Arts. Their presence highlighted the festival’s collaborative nature, spanning government, arts organizations and the private sector.
The Teatro de La Ciudad will undergo a minor transformation to accommodate both theatrical and gastronomic activities. Festival organizers have reconfigured seating and installed temporary booths in the lobby area to host La Dolce Vita. Hernández said the layout ensures a seamless transition between watching a performance and sampling food, so families can move easily from one experience to the next.
Ticket sales open June 1. Organizers expect high demand, especially for the two evening shows of The Divine Comedy. With only 700 seats available, early reservations will be critical. Hernández encouraged parents to bring children and adolescents to witness local talent on stage. “We hope this festival inspires the next generation of artists,” she said.
Since its 2009 debut, the Italian Cultural Festival has grown steadily. Each year, the community adds fresh elements—roving musicians, temporary installations or workshop sessions—according to community leaders. In previous editions, guests enjoyed art exhibitions, documentary screenings and children’s drawing contests on Italian themes.
This year’s program focuses on Dante, whose work has influenced literature and art for centuries. By combining classical text with contemporary staging, Martina aims to bridge past and present. “We want to show that Dante’s vision still speaks to us,” she said. “His themes—justice, redemption, love—remain relevant.”
To further involve local schools, workshops on “Translating Dante into Art” will run June 12 at a nearby cultural center. Local art and theater students are invited to participate and learn from the festival’s artistic team. Martina said these workshops will help younger participants understand how to interpret classical literature through modern performance.
Festival organizers emphasize that families, art lovers and food enthusiasts will all find something to enjoy. Attendees can choose between afternoon and evening performances, visit the art displays or sample authentic Italian dishes. By offering multiple entry points, the festival caters to a broad audience.
Estefanía Hernández summed up the festival’s mission: “We want to highlight Italian culture, support local artists and boost cultural tourism in Playa del Carmen. When we combine theater, food and visual art, we create a richer experience for everyone.” Her words reflect the festival’s role in making culture accessible and sustaining artistic ventures in the region.
As June 13 draws near, the Italian community and city officials will finalize technical rehearsals and set designs. Volunteers will assist with ticketing, ushering and hospitality. Sponsors have pledged to fund scholarships for promising young artists to attend workshops free of charge.
By the time opening night arrives, organizers aim to offer an immersive celebration of Italy in the heart of Playa del Carmen. With a full house, a powerful adaptation of The Divine Comedy and the flavors of La Dolce Vita, this eighth edition promises to be memorable for residents and tourists alike.
