raccontavamo

**Raccontavamo**

Raccontavamo is an Italian storytelling and performance project that emerged in the early 2010s as part of a broader cultural movement aimed at revitalizing oral traditions through contemporary artistic practices. The initiative was spearheaded by a collective of artists, historians, and educators, with a focus on preserving and reinterpreting stories from different regions of Italy. The name *raccontavamo*—derived from the Italian verb *raccontare* (to tell)—reflects the project’s emphasis on storytelling as a shared, communal experience.

The project often incorporated elements of theater, music, and multimedia to engage audiences in immersive storytelling sessions. Collaborations with local communities, particularly in rural and marginalized areas, were central to its approach, as it sought to document and celebrate indigenous oral traditions while adapting them to modern contexts. Raccontavamo frequently worked with elders, storytellers, and performers to ensure authenticity and continuity with traditional narratives.

In addition to public performances, Raccontavamo also produced educational materials, workshops, and digital archives to promote literacy and cultural heritage. The project’s work was influenced by theories of oral history, participatory culture, and the intersection of folklore with contemporary art. It aimed to challenge the notion that storytelling is solely a pastime, positioning it as a dynamic, evolving practice that connects past and present.

Raccontavamo operated primarily in the northern and central regions of Italy, with a particular focus on stories from Lombardy, Piedmont, and Emilia-Romagna. While the project was active for several years, it has since evolved into various related initiatives, continuing to explore the intersection of storytelling, memory, and cultural identity. Its legacy remains influential in discussions about the preservation of oral traditions in a digital age.