Valentino Parlato: Communist and Journalist Remembered
Alfonso Maurizio Iacono reflects on Valentino Parlato, co-founder of the Italian newspaper il manifesto, emphasizing that his identity as a communist was inseparable from his work as a journalist. Parlato, born in Favara near Agrigento, grew up in Libya and was expelled in the 1950s for his communist beliefs. Iacono, also Sicilian, recalls their shared regional background and Parlato's melancholic irony and skeptical attitude, reminiscent of Leonardo Sciascia's observation that Sicilians do not believe in ideas. The article, published on doppiozero on May 2, 2026, is a personal tribute that explores the tension between political conviction and Sicilian skepticism.
Key facts
- Valentino Parlato was a journalist and communist.
- He was co-founder of the Italian newspaper il manifesto.
- He was born in Favara, near Agrigento, Sicily.
- He grew up in Libya.
- He was expelled from Libya in the 1950s for being a communist.
- Alfonso Maurizio Iacono wrote the article.
- Iacono is also Sicilian and worked at il manifesto.
- The article references Leonardo Sciascia's view on Sicilians and ideas.
Entities
Artists
- Valentino Parlato
- Alfonso Maurizio Iacono
- Leonardo Sciascia
Institutions
- il manifesto
- doppiozero
Locations
- Favara
- Agrigento
- Italy
- Libya
- Sicily