Sasso di Castalda celebrates Apollo 11 with Rocco Petrone festival

As part of Matera 2019 European Capital of Culture's 'Capitale per un giorno' initiative, the small town of Sasso di Castalda in Basilicata will honor Rocco Petrone, the NASA launch director for Apollo 11, on the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing. Petrone, whose parents emigrated from Sasso di Castalda to New York's Little Italy, grew up there before leading the historic 1969 launch. From July 14 to 16, 2019, the town will host debates, exhibitions, book presentations, screenings, and scientific outreach events. The program involves the Italian Space Agency (ASI), the ASI Center in Matera, and the University of Basilicata, with prominent journalists and speakers. The event underscores the regional dimension of Matera 2019, showcasing 20th-century figures from Basilicata.