Italian 2026 Maturità exams provoke protests and grand celebrations

During the oral component of the 2026 Italian high‑school graduation exam (Maturità), groups of students affiliated with the Rete degli Studenti Medi submitted written statements to the examination commissions. The documents criticised the current education system and policies of Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara, calling for a school that favours critical thinking, well‑being and personal development. Reactions from teachers varied, with some commissions merely noting the papers and others opening discussions about the future of schooling. The protest is identified by the slogan “Generazione che costruisce.”

A parallel trend shows a growing emphasis on formal attire and elaborate celebrations surrounding the same exams. An Skuola.net survey of 500 candidates revealed that 68 % plan to appear in a suit or dress, with 25 % buying a new outfit specifically for the occasion. Most graduates anticipate festive gatherings, often with laurel crowns, champagne and public applause. The shift reflects a new cultural ritual that mirrors university graduation ceremonies, turning the exam’s conclusion into a high‑profile social event.