Matera 2019's 'Capitale per un giorno' Project Expanded to Calabria and Campania

Giovanni Oliva, secretary general of the Fondazione Matera Basilicata 2019, recounts the success of the 'Capitale per un giorno' (Capital for a Day) project, which allowed 126 of Basilicata's 129 municipalities to participate actively in Matera's European Capital of Culture 2019 program. Launched with a public notice and a total investment of one million euros, the project began on February 14, 2019, in Abriola. It created both an ideal and physical connection between the capital and the towns, supported by a dedicated bus service and volunteers. Due to its success, the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities (Mibact) extended the initiative to Calabria (Isola di Capo Rizzuto) and Campania (Calitri) as part of the Trenodia project. Oliva emphasizes the energy and cultural excellence of Basilicata's small towns, which the project aimed to network and valorize through local administrations and associations.