Italian literary festivals promote reading and critical thinking

Various literary festivals are taking place across Italy, focusing on the role of reading and critical thinking in the digital age.

In Grottaglie, the 21st edition of the Festa dei Lettori has commenced. The event features Giuseppe Laterza, president of the Centro per il Libro e la Lettura (CEPELL), who engaged in discussions with students and educators regarding the importance of imagination, responsibility, and democratic participation. Discussions also highlighted the challenges of maintaining deep reflection in an era of instant digital communication.

Meanwhile, the ninth edition of Bookolica, the Festival dei Lettori Creativi, is scheduled to take place in Tempio Pausania from October 19 to 24. Under the theme ‘Laughing | Disobeying — Laughter as a form of freedom,’ the festival organized by Bottega No-Made APS aims to use humor and creative expression to challenge social conventions and stereotypes. The program includes debates on artificial intelligence, information freedom, and the future of Sardinian languages, featuring various writers, journalists, and artists.