For 29 years, the World Bodypainting Festival has been a driving force in the international bodypainting community. In 2026, the WBF Italy edition in Sterzing/Vipiteno marked another important step in the festival’s growing multi-destination format.

On 3rd and 4th July 2026, the historic alpine town of Sterzing/Vipiteno once again became a vibrant meeting point for artists, models, photographers and visitors from around the world.

After the successful premiere in 2025, WBF Italy returned to South Tyrol for the second time - and this year, the event grew with the introduction of a second World Championship category. Alongside the spectacular World Award in Camouflage Bodypainting, presented by KRYOLAN, the World Bodypainting Festival introduced the World Award in Facepainting, presented by SUPERSTAR. This second world championship category brought another layer of creativity, expression and storytelling to the streets and squares of Sterzing/Vipiteno.

The Camouflage category once again transformed the town into a living illusion. Artists painted their models to blend seamlessly into carefully selected locations, allowing bodies to disappear into historic walls, architectural details, doors, windows and the unique atmosphere of the old town. Visitors were invited to look twice, search for hidden figures and experience the fascinating connection between body, place and optical illusion.

The newly introduced Facepainting category took place under the theme “Spiritual Guardians” - a celebration of sacred protectors, inner strength and unseen forces. Artists created designs inspired by ancestral spirits, mythological beings, animal totems and divine energies that guard, guide and empower the soul across cultures and worlds. On a smaller but equally powerful canvas, the face became a stage for emotion, character and imagination.

The competition extended over two full days, giving artists more space to present their skills and allowing visitors to experience the diversity of bodypainting in two very different artistic disciplines. With the addition of Facepainting, WBF Italy has grown into an even more dynamic event within the World Bodypainting Festival series.

Over the festival weekend, Sterzing/Vipiteno once again became a place where art, history and community came together. The medieval town, framed by the Italian Alps, offered a unique stage for artistic transformation - from large-scale camouflage illusions hidden in the urban scenery to expressive facepainting works full of symbolism and detail.