Italy's first Dantedì goes virtual amid coronavirus lockdown
Italy will celebrate its first national day dedicated to Dante Alighieri, Dantedì, on March 25, 2020, entirely online due to the coronavirus lockdown. The day marks the date scholars believe Dante began his journey through the Divine Comedy. The Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Tourism (MiBACT) and the Ministry of Education (MIUR) are coordinating virtual initiatives including social media readings, streaming performances, and educational activities. Minister Dario Franceschini urged artists to post Dante readings online, while Minister Lucia Azzolina highlighted the role of schools in distance learning. RAI will broadcast special programming featuring historic readings by major artists. The hashtags #Dantedì and #IoleggoDante will be used. The event was instituted by the Council of Ministers in January 2020, one year before the 700th anniversary of Dante's death.
Key facts
- First Dantedì takes place on March 25, 2020
- Date chosen as scholars believe Dante began his journey through the Divine Comedy on that day
- Event goes entirely virtual due to coronavirus lockdown
- Instituted by the Council of Ministers in January 2020
- MiBACT and MIUR coordinate initiatives
- Minister Dario Franceschini calls on artists to post Dante readings
- Minister Lucia Azzolina emphasizes school participation
- RAI broadcasts special programming with historic readings
Entities
Artists
- Dante Alighieri
- Dario Franceschini
- Lucia Azzolina
Institutions
- MiBACT
- MIUR
- RAI
- RAI Teche
- Council of Ministers
- Consiglio dei Ministri
- Ministero dei Beni Culturali
- Accademia della Crusca
- Società Dantesca
- Società Dante Alighieri
- Associazione degli Italianisti
- Società italiana per lo studio del pensiero medievale
- Comitato per le celebrazioni
Locations
- Italy
- Firenze
- Ravenna