The theme for this year’s White Night in Villafranca, set on Saturday, August 31st, is “Magic Vintage Cartoon.” For one night, the Veronese town will light up under the sky, transporting guests on a nostalgic trip through time to commemorate the anniversaries of famous animated cartoons. There will be plenty of activities to choose from, including sports, cartoon-themed cuisine (such as the Harry Potter Burger), dancing performances, live music, and an unforgettable Agility Dog session.
White Night of Sport: Villafranca transforms into an open-air gym
One of the main events of the evening will be the White Night of Sport. The Scaliger Castle will be turned into a hub of sporting activities from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. There will be exhibitions, tournaments, and free trials of various sports suitable for all ages. Activities will include artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, martial arts, basketball, parkour, and more. Skilled instructors will be available to assist participants as they try new activities or refine their skills. Additionally, there will be an Agility Dog session for animal lovers to enjoy with their four-legged friends.
Shopping, culture, and entertainment for everyone
In addition to sports, the White Night will include a full range of entertainment and culture. The renowned “Shopping dello Sbarazzo” will begin at 5:00 PM, with downtown merchants providing unbeatable offers at discounted prices. For those interested in history, the Risorgimento Museum will be open from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, while the Scaliger Castle will be open until 11:00 PM.
The evening will be filled with dance performances, live music, and street artist displays at various locations around the old town. Every area of the city will provide a unique experience, appealing to both families and young people, from inflatable constructions for children to DJ sets that will thrill the night until 3:00 a.m.
Gastronomic offerings
Villafranca’s White Night will also take guests on a taste trip. Food and wine kiosks will be spread across the city, serving a variety of local delicacies and more. Piazza Villafranchietta and the Bottagisio neighborhood will have a particularly extensive gastronomic offering, ranging from Apulian delights to the renowned “Harry Potter Burger.”
Useful Information
All events are free, starting at 5:00 PM. A free shuttle bus will be available to connect peripheral parking areas to the city center, ensuring easy and worry-free access for everyone.
You can find the official event on Facebook with the detailed program at this link.
Photo credits: FAI (Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano)