Pordenonelegge concludes with record attendance and Mattarella speech

The 27th edition of Pordenonelegge, a major book and freedom festival, concluded with record-breaking attendance exceeding 160,000 visitors. The event featured 447 meetings and nearly 700 protagonists, including international authors and intellectuals.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella delivered the closing address at the Teatro Verdi, using the occasion to reflect on the 80th anniversary of the Italian Republic. Mattarella emphasized that freedom and democracy are not permanent achievements but must be defended through dissent and the dialogue of ideas. He warned against the global emergence of “illiberal democracy” and noted that the right to express diverse opinions serves as a vital bulwark against oppression.

The festival also served as a precursor to Pordenone’s designation as the Italian Capital of Culture for 2027. The closing celebrations included a concert by the musical trio Il Volo and featured high-profile guests such as Vera Politkovskaja and author Michel Houellebecq.