Ed., March 27, 2024: This article was originally published in 2023 and has been updated to reflect this year鈥檚 dates and themes.
Easter eggs aren鈥檛 just child鈥檚 play in Civitella del Lago, a tiny Umbrian town just above Lake Corbara.
The town鈥檚 local Ovo Pinto Cultural Association 鈥 yes, that鈥檚 an organization dedicated to the art of Easter egg-painting 鈥 kicks off its annual Mostra Concorso Ovo Pinto competition and exhibition on March 31, Easter Sunday on the Christian liturgical calendar.
Running since 1982, the competition-exhibition showcases intricately decorated Easter eggs and welcomes participation from both professional and non-professional artists worldwide.
The theme for the 2024 competition is Oltre i confini: viaggi geografici e mentali (鈥淏eyond borders: Geographical and mental journeys鈥), in connection with worldwide celebrations of Marco Polo.
Would-be egg artists will have to wait until next year to compete, as submissions closed earlier this month. Despite Civitella del Lago鈥檚 modest size and the ultra-niche art form, President of the Ovo Pinto Association Alessandro Dominici says he has seen enthusiasts submit eggs from different corners of the world.
Beginning on Easter Sunday, March 31, all eggs entered in the 2024 competition will be displayed in the local Ovo Pinto museum in Piazza Mazzini and will remain until May 1.
During this period, the public can visit and vote on their favorite entry. Though details about awards for this year are still slim, past editions have recognized both 鈥渁udience鈥檚 choice鈥 winners and the most imaginative artists with cash prizes.
The nearly four-decade-strong exhibition isn鈥檛 just an eclectic way to observe the Easter season, but also typically includes side events that explore the history and local character of Civitella del Lago. After the spring and into the winter months, the museum is open by reservation only.
If you go
Il Museo Ovo Pinto
Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini 9, Civitella del Lago
Tel. +39 340 8995074
