Italian legal festivals in Agnone and Modena focus on mafia legacy

On 5 May, the VIII edition of the Festival del Diritto concluded in Agnone, Molise. Organized by lawyer Luigi Fantinie and the cultural association Armonia, the event highlighted themes of legality, memory and social justice. Mayor Daniele Saia announced that the local sports hall will be named after Giuseppe Di Matteo, a 13‑year‑old victim of mafia retaliation whose death remains a symbol of organized‑crime violence.

The festival gathered students, law‑enforcement representatives, religious figures and cultural officials for discussions and a commemorative ceremony. It underscored civic engagement and the promotion of constitutional values among youth.

From 6‑9 May, Modena hosted the first edition of its Festival della Legalità. The programme centered on “Mafia and Social Media,” examining how criminal communications have evolved from traditional pizzini to the dark web, and how cultural expressions—from neomelodic songs to trap music—reflect mafia influence online. An open meeting invited citizens to discuss these issues.

Both festivals aim to raise public awareness of the mafia’s historical impact and its modern digital manifestations.