Two Italian summer festivals: Popsophia in Pesaro and Mercantia in Certaldo

The sixth edition of Popsophia, a pop-philosophy festival, takes place at Rocca Costanza in Pesaro, Marche, with the theme 'il ritorno della forza' (the return of force), referencing Star Wars. The event explores the relationship between contemporary icons and timeless concepts, featuring thinkers such as Monia Andreani, Remo Bodei, Umberto Curi, Gianni Vattimo, and Giulio Giorello, who will address war. The program, hosted by Paolo Pagliaro, includes films, readings, talks, and live music curated by the band Factory. A series TV format analyzes the success of Gomorra, Suburra, Game of Thrones, and House of Cards. The article notes that despite the global crisis affecting cultural events, summer festivals are proliferating in Italy, with newer ones seeking cross-disciplinary contamination. Meanwhile, in Certaldo, Tuscany, the same weekend hosts Mercantia, an international street theater festival. Over 400 artists from around the world gather in the ancient village, with nearly 100 performances daily. Notable acts include Compagnia dei Folli, Black Blues Brothers, Marionetas Colegone, and Balkan Popular Sound concerts.