by Maximiliano Crocamo
Interviews: Serena Tonel, Deputy Mayor of Trieste; Carlo Bonci, President of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Tattoo Association and organizer of the Trieste Tattoo Expo
The City of Trieste announced the 2025 edition of the Trieste Tattoo Expo on Thursday inside the Sala Giunta of City Hall. The event will take place November 15–16 at the Generali Convention Center and marks the 15th edition of the gathering, now held biennially.
Deputy Mayor Serena Tonel joined Carlo Bonci, president of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Tattoo Association and organizer of the expo, along with internationally renowned tattoo artist Alex De Pase, founder and promoter of the International Tattoo Federation, to present the upcoming edition.
The expo is expected to bring more than 150 tattoo and piercing artists from around the world, along with thousands of visitors from northeastern Italy and neighboring Slovenia, Croatia, and Austria. Over the years, the event has become a prominent stop on the international tattoo circuit, organizers said.
In addition to tattoo sessions and artist meet-and-greets, the two-day program will feature performances, exhibitions, international guests, competitions, and food and merchandise stands. Visitors may request a tattoo during the event by meeting artists onsite or by booking through the official website, where participating tattooists are listed with profiles.
This year’s edition is sponsored by the Municipality of Trieste and, for the first time, carries the “Io sono Friuli Venezia Giulia” regional brand.
Among the scheduled performances are live body-painting by Massso Art; a dance showcase by Alister Dance All Star; and pole-dance and aerial acrobatics presentations by Etere Pole Dance Studio Trieste and performer Aurora. Burlesque performer Sary Devils is slated to appear on November 16. Traditional tattoo contests will also return, with artists competing live before a jury.
Doors open November 15 at 11 a.m., with an official stage inauguration at noon. Saturday hours run until 8 p.m. The expo continues November 16 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Daily admission is €10.
