Semifeste

Semifeste is a fictional cultural festival that appears in speculative fiction and multimedia worldbuilding projects. The term combines semi-, meaning half or partial, with feste, the Italian word for festival, and is used to denote a mid-season celebration that stands between larger annual events. There is no single canonical definition, and the concept varies by author and project.

In typical depictions, semifeste is a community-centered event held outdoors or in adaptable urban spaces. It emphasizes participatory art, street performances, workshops, and shared meals. Programs are often devised collectively, with an emphasis on accessibility, experimentation, and improvisation. The atmosphere tends to be informal, with modular stages and rotating schedules that invite audience participation.

Variations and roles: In some narratives semifeste serves as a prelude to a more comprehensive annual festival, functioning as a testing ground for performers and organizers. In others it is the central celebration of a fictional calendar, marking a seasonal or civic turning point. Semifeste can also be used as a narrative device to explore themes such as resource sharing, grassroots governance, and cultural resilience in constrained settings.

See also: Festival, Community festival, Worldbuilding, Participatory art.