Macerata Humanities Festival attracts over 4,500 attendees

The fourth edition of the Macerata Humanities Festival, organized by the University of Macerata, concluded with over 4,500 attendees and more than 50 scheduled events. The festival, which ran from October 13 to 16, focused on the theme ‘Beyond the law of force. Value of knowledge, knowledge of values.’

Key highlights included an international dimension marked by the conferral of an honorary degree to Colm Tóibín, in the presence of Irish Ambassador Elizabeth McCullough. The event also featured contributions from figures such as Hartmut Rosa, Alberto Oliverio, and Vittorio Gallese.

According to Rector John McCourt, the festival serves to demonstrate the central role of human and social sciences in understanding the present and planning the future. Data indicated a 10.4% increase in student participation, while digital engagement on Instagram exceeded 250,000 views.