12 Italian Cultural Festivals to Attend in September 2021

After months of pandemic restrictions, Italy is hosting a wave of cultural festivals in September 2021, spanning philosophy, literature, film, photography, live arts, and more. The festivalfilosofia in Modena, Carpi, and Sassuolo (Sept 17-19) offers nearly 200 free events on the theme of 'liberty,' including lectures, exhibitions, and the 'L'erbario in viaggio' project with international artists. Festivaletteratura in Mantua (Sept 8-12) celebrates its 25th edition with authors, readings, and performances. Naples hosts 'Ceci n'est pas un blasphème' (Sept 17-30), a festival against religious censorship. Riaperture PhotoFestival in Ferrara (Sept 10-Oct 3) presents 19 exhibitions in disused sites. Gecko Fest in Spina (Perugia, Sept 10-12) focuses on 'Terrae, della terra' and humanity's relationship with the planet. Laterale Film Festival in Cosenza (Sept 13-15) screens 21 short films, including Lav Diaz's 'Himala: a dialectic of our time.' The Festival del Disegno runs from Milan's Castello Sforzesco (Sept 11-12) across Italy until Oct 10. CLEPTOCRAZIA at Villa Romana in Florence explores art and science on the Anthropocene. Ipercorpo in Forlì (Sept 15-19) redefines artist-spectator roles. Mercurio Festival at Cantieri Culturali alla Zisa in Palermo (Sept 24-Oct 2) features multidisciplinary performances. D'Annunzio Week in Pescara (until Sept 12) honors the poet with concerts and exhibitions. Roma Visiva at Casa del Cinema (Sept 8-10) highlights female artists.