Mark Megahan
Bodypainting enthusiasts aren’t real happy with plans for the world festival this year. There won’t be one. Instead, there will be several. Don’t worry, organizers assure. They still have a lot of fun activities planned for the community. Including a whole new World Award Category: Camouflage.
2025 World Bodypainting festivals
Founders of the World Bodypainting Festival explained in a statement that when they launched the event in 1998 they didn’t expect it to last for years, much less decades.
“We have been faced with challenges during the 27 years and now in 2025 we will have a break of the usual festival format,” they announce.
“BUT DON’T You WORRY” they emphasized, “we still have for the bodypainting community something special this year to connect.”
Instead of “the traditional single-location festival,” organizers will “take our vibrant community on a journey, celebrating art, culture, and connection in some of the super inspiring locations.”
This July, they want to see how well artists can decorate their models to blend in with the landscape of Vipiteno, Italy. That’s where they’ll unveil the new “Camouflage” bodypainting category.
“Nestled in the heart of the Alps, Vipiteno is a charming medieval town renowned for its rich history, stunning mountain views, and vibrant cultural scene.” The models are expected to be just as vibrantly painted. Nearby there’s the South Tyrolean town of Sterzing. “In addition to the world championship, there will also be workshops, artist meetings and photo events.”
A Year of Events
Rather than holding one big party as usual they’re “thrilled to announce a series of events that will bring the magic of bodypainting to diverse audiences.” The series kicks off May 31 for two days in Hvar, Croatia.
Festivities will resume in Paris, France on June 7. The Italian extravaganza will be July 12th & 13th. The grand finale will be the WBF Online Awards held November 14 through 16.
Bodypainting has a huge global following which means a wide range of paints and cosmetics to chose from. “Starting with various applicators including brushes, sponges, and airbrush equipment, various types of paints are available to apply in different ways,” WB reported previously.
“These include grease paints, alcohol colors, and hybrid paints, though most body paint artists use water-activated paints that are intended for face and body painting.”
Technically rather than paint “these are considered make-up and cosmetics, so they are safe to use on skin.” Even better, “many of these paints are fragrance-free and also vegan.”
The pigments used for bodypainting are all “suitable for sensitive skin and easy to wash away.” Adults can have all sorts of fun with the same paints “used for children’s face painting” and you don’t need to travel around the world to do it.
