Festivaletteratura

Festivaletteratura is an annual literary festival held in Mantua (Mantova), Lombardy, northern Italy. It gathers writers, translators, editors, and scholars from Italy and abroad and presents a diverse program of events.

The program includes readings, interviews, panel discussions, book presentations, and workshops, often in historic venues and public spaces around the city. Performances and multimedia elements sometimes accompany readings, creating a broader cultural experience.

The festival prioritizes interaction between authors and readers, with sessions designed to be accessible to general audiences; many activities are free or low-cost and open to the public. Its format often blends formal talks with informal encounters, encouraging dialogue across languages and genres.

Established in the late 1990s, Festivaletteratura has developed into one of Italy’s notable literary events, connecting contemporary writers with readers, translators, and critics. It features authors from Italy and abroad and highlights translations and cross-cultural exchange.

Organization and funding are provided by Mantua’s cultural institutions in cooperation with the city government and local sponsors, with involvement from universities, libraries, and cultural associations. The festival uses multiple venues across the city, integrating institutional spaces with street-level programming.

The event contributes to Mantua’s cultural identity and tourism, attracting visitors from across Italy and internationally. It is regarded as a key platform for contemporary literature and a showcase for literary dialogue and experimentation within an urban, historically rich setting.