The World Bodypainting Festival celebrates its 29th anniversary in 2026 with an expanded international format that takes the official World Championships across multiple European destinations. Following the successful relaunch in 2025, this year’s edition brings together the global bodypainting community for a series of live events spanning from the Mediterranean to the Nordic capitals, complemented by online competitions that ensure worldwide participation.
WBF Spain 2026 – A Fiery Start in Águilas
The season opened in February in Águilas, Spain, where the World Championship Bodypainting & Show took place as part of the renowned Águilas Carnival. Artists from around the world competed in spectacular presentations that fused bodypainting, costume design, performance, and stage presence into breathtaking living artworks. The event drew thousands of visitors and reaffirmed the powerful connection between body art and live entertainment within one of Spain’s most vibrant cultural celebrations.
WBF Italy 2026 – Camouflage and Facepainting in South Tyrol
On July 3 and 4, the festival travels to Sterzing/Vipiteno in South Tyrol, Italy. Set in the heart of this historic Alpine town, WBF Italy 2026 will host two official championships: the World Championship Camouflage, where artists create astonishing illusions that blend models seamlessly into their surroundings, and the World Championship Facepainting. The program is rounded out by creative jam sessions, photography activities, and extensive networking opportunities for artists, photographers, and visitors.
WBF Finland 2026 & Nordic Awards – Helsinki’s Creative Make-Up Championship
On October 17 and 18, the World Bodypainting Festival lands in Helsinki, Finland, as part of I Love Me, Northern Europe’s largest beauty, wellness, and lifestyle exhibition. The spotlight will be on the World Championship Creative Make-up, where artists present extraordinary conceptual and fantasy-inspired creations. Alongside this, the Nordic Championships will be held in Bodypainting, Facepainting, Red Carpet Make-up, and Editorial Make-up, drawing top talent from across the region.
WBF Online Awards 2026 & WB Photo Award 2026
From November 20 to 22, 2026, the WBF Online Awards offer artists worldwide the chance to compete regardless of their location, creating their entries from their own studios and countries. Meanwhile, the World Bodypainting Photo Award returns, inviting photographers to submit their finest bodypainting images of the year — capturing and preserving this unique, ephemeral art form through outstanding photography.
With 29 years of history, the World Bodypainting Festival continues to unite creative excellence with extraordinary destinations, bringing people together through the universal language of art across Europe and beyond.
Photo credit: Alex Barendregt
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