The idea of festivals in Italy evokes images of fun, music, dancing and great celebrations and while, of course, there are plenty of these all over the country, there are also a large variety of very unique and particular festivals as well. It is these that cater to more specific interests and, if you're someone with a singular passion for something, you're sure to find a corresponding festival somewhere in Italy. If that passion is literature, you need look no further as 2016 Italian Capital of Culture; Mantua has just what you are looking for. Every year, this beautiful and historic city plays host to a literature festival which attracts the finest writers and, even, Nobel Prize winners each year. Just find a holiday rental in Lombardy and you could be rubbing shoulders with some of the greatest literary minds this September.
Festivaletteratura was first held in 1997 and has become one of the leading literature festivals in the world since then. It has a rather particular formula, being held over the course of five days and running small-sized lectures by authors from all over the world instead of larger scale events. However, you needn't worry about being able to attend something as there are usually around 200 events held on any given year. As the population of the town doubles for the event, it is recommended that you book places and tickets in advance so as not to be disappointed. These lectures and events are hosted in historical spaces and piazze throughout the city, enhancing the experience further by allowing you to get to see parts of the city that you might not have visited or have access to otherwise.
The event is run mostly by volunteers, numbering around 700 in total, and its low-profile style has attracted many big names of literature and Nobel Prize winners. It is one of Italy’s most anticipated annual events and sees authors, readings, guided tours, performances and concerts draw artists and literature-lovers from all four corners of the globe to come together in Mantua. World-famous writers and poets, emerging voices in literature, essayists, musicians, artists and scientists are also all brought together for the festival. There is a particular focus on young people with many of the events organised with them in mind.
Mantua transforms during the event with everyone mingling in the relatively small city, lending a festive atmosphere to the place. The compactness of the city also allows for easy access to the schedule of events with most being within walking distance of each other. If you have a love for books and Italy, this combines the best possible of both worlds.
Mantua transforms during the event with everyone mingling in the relatively small city, lending a festive atmosphere to the place. The compactness of the city also allows for easy access to the schedule of events with most being within walking distance of each other. If you have a love for books and Italy, this combines the best possible of both worlds.