What is the Puccini Festival?
The Puccini Festival is a magnificent musical event set in an open-air theatre by Torre del Lago, near the home of the eponymous composer.
This annual festival of opera and concerts, dedicated to Giacomo Puccini, is held in a specially constructed arena by the Lake of Massaciuccoli, close to Viareggio, Pisa and Lucca. It normally runs from early July to mid August.
The setting is glorious. The lake is a wide expanse of shimmering smooth water, the perfect backdrop to the drama of Puccini's Operas. The lake and the town of Torre del Lago are well worth visiting in themselves, with water-edge restaurants, beautiful views and a museum dedicated to Puccini's work.
All the seats face the lake so the view beyond the stage is of an expanse of water, framed by the hills of Massaciuccoli.
For 2025 programme for the Puccini Opera Festival is not yet ready, we'll publish it as soon as it becomes available. You can see last year's programme below:
The Puccini Festival Program 2024
| Opera | Dates |
|---|---|
| Double Bill: "Le Villi" & "Edgar" | 12 & 19 July |
| Manon Lescaut | 13 July & 2 August |
| La Boheme | 20 & 27 July |
| La Boheme | 8 & 22 August |
| Tosca | 26 July |
| Tosca | 9, 18 & 24 August |
| Turandot | 3, 10, 17 & 23 August |
| Madama Butterfly | 31 August & 7 September |
120th Anniversary of Madama Butterfly
The higlight of the year is probably the Madama Butterfly, 120 years after the first performance. The scenography for this year's edition is by Ken Yasuda, a sculptor who has a long history of engagement with the land and works of Puccini, having first debuted as a set-designer for Puccini's opera in the year 2000.
Where to stay close to Lago Puccini
Our favourite villa in the area is Villa Fobbia, a beautiful spot in the hills above the lake, about a 30 minute drive away:
Villa Fobbia for 10 near Fondazione Puccini
