Ireland at Tocatì, International Festival of Games in the Street

In September, Ireland was the featured international guest at the 24th edition of Tocatì, the International Festival of Street Games in Verona.

The festival takes its name from the Veronese phrase "Tòca a tì" ("It's your turn") and was established to celebrate and preserve traditional games and sporting traditions. Recognised by UNESCO as a model of good practice for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, Tocatì brings together traditional games from across Italy as well as a guest country each year. In 2026, that "Country of Honour" was Ireland, which shared aspects of its sporting, linguistic, musical and cultural heritage with the festival's more than 100,000 visitors.

With Tocatì centred on traditional games and sports, Irish sporting traditions featured prominently throughout the festival. Visitors watched and took part in activities including hurling, camogie, Gaelic football, poc fada and bol an bhóthair, experiencing first-hand some of Ireland's oldest and most cherished traditions.

Across Verona, Irish and Italian volunteers from the Milan, Rome and other GAA clubs demonstrated both Gaelic football and hurling. Interactive sessions allowed visitors to try the skills for themselves, learning how to strike a sliotar with a hurley or test their passing and kicking abilities in Gaelic football.

A particular highlight was the collaboration with the GAA and Gaelic Games Europe, which hosted its Central East European Finals in Verona during the festival.

The presence of over 150 athletes, coaches and volunteers from Ireland and Europe showcased the growing international reach of Gaelic Games and highlighted their importance in strengthening connections between Ireland and its diaspora communities.

During the festival, GAA President Jarlath Burns announced the establishment of a new GAA club in Verona, which will stand as a lasting legacy of Ireland's participation and reflects the role that sport can play in fostering cultural exchange and community engagement.

Beyond sport, Ireland's programme celebrated our rich cultural heritage. Visitors enjoyed traditional Irish music and dance performances, Irish-language activities, cultural workshops, and opportunities to learn more about Ireland's living traditions. Highlights included Aran knitting workshops, currach-building demonstrations, storytelling sessions, and film screenings.

With the support of Tourism Ireland, festival-goers also experienced the flavours of Ireland through live cooking demonstrations featuring Irish produce and traditional favourites such as soda bread, beef and seafood. Together, these activities offered visitors an immersive experience of Irish culture throughout the weekend. It also presented a great opportunity to expand our political and business links with the participation of the Irish Business Network Italy and our State Agencies.

The significance of Ireland's participation was further reflected in a letter of support from President Catherine Connolly, praising the role of traditional games. The letter was formally presented to the festival organisers Associazione Giochi Antichi (AGA), recognising the organisation's longstanding commitment to safeguarding traditional games and cultural traditions.

Additionally the festival received recognition as an ‘Associated Presidency Event’ during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, as an important event that showcased the role culture and heritage can play in strengthening relationships across Europe.

Tocatì 2026 demonstrated the power of traditional games and culture to connect communities across borders and generations. As Country of Honour, Ireland showcased the richness of its heritage while celebrating the strong friendship between Ireland and Italy. The festival provided a unique opportunity to share our traditions, strengthen connections and inspire new friendships.

The Consulate General of Ireland extends its sincere thanks to Regione del Veneto, the Comune di Verona, Associazione Giochi Antichi (AGA), and Gaelic Games Europe for their vision, partnership and commitment in delivering this outstanding edition of Tocatì.