Italian reading festivals draw 14,000 students, spark antifascist pledge debate

The 14th edition of the "Un Prato di libri" project, organized by the Il Geranio association in Prato, concluded on 13 June after involving more than 14,000 pupils from all school levels in the province. The festival featured 217 author and illustrator encounters, 80 public events and participation by 35 professional storytellers, culminating in a celebration at the Castello dell'Imperatore.

At the same time, the national small‑publisher fair "Più libri Più Liberi" in Rome sparked a political dispute after organisers required exhibitors to sign a declaration of adherence to Italy's antifascist constitutional values. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denounced the requirement as "censura", while the fair's organisers and the Ministry of Culture called it a misunderstanding that would be examined further. The controversy drew criticism and support from parties across the spectrum.