Bugnara, a small town in the province of L'Aquila, is set to host the literary event "La Primavera dei libri" starting on Saturday, April 12, 2025. This series of meetings, organized by the Centro Studi e Ricerche "Nino Ruscitti," aims to celebrate literature, memory, and local history, while also highlighting the significance of archives as essential tools for community identity.
The event will take place at the Biblioteca "Nino Ruscitti" and will run from April through June 2025. This year’s theme revolves around the value of archives, a focus that the organizers believe is crucial for preserving community memory and identity. Matteo Servilio, president of the Centro Studi, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "The objective of this third edition is to offer a cultural path that explores the value of archives as an indispensable tool for communities, for their memory, and for their identity."
One of the highlights of this year’s event is the commemoration of the poet Vittorio Clemente, whose 130th birth anniversary and 50th death anniversary will both be observed in 2025. Clemente is a significant figure in Abruzzese culture, and the event aims to promote his legacy through various planned activities. Servilio noted, "We are working to build a calendar of initiatives that will span the entire year of 2025, promoting meetings, readings, and in-depth studies on one of the reference figures of Abruzzese culture."
The first event will kick off on April 12, 2025, at 17:30, coinciding with the 130th anniversary of Clemente's birth. Andrea Giampietro will lead this session, discussing the relationship between Vittorio Clemente and Ottaviano Giannangeli, two prominent figures in Abruzzese literature. Giampietro will draw from his book "Studi di letteratura abruzzese" to present insights into their literary connections.
Following this, on May 3, 2025, at 17:30, Geremia Mancini will give a conference titled "Storie della nostra emigrazione," focusing on the theme of emigration. Mancini, who has a background as the national secretary of Ugl and hails from Manoppello, will share anecdotes and curiosities about individuals with roots in Abruzzo.
The third meeting is scheduled for May 24, 2025, at 17:30, where Mauro Cianfaglione will present his recent book "Vittorio Clemente. Maestro e poeta." This work includes extensive research and photographs that aim to provide a fresh perspective on the life and contributions of the poet.
Concluding the series on June 6, 2025, at 18:30, will be Roberto Carrozzo, who will discuss "La ricerca storica locale nel passato e nel presente" based on his book "Bugnara. Anversa. Castrovalva. Pagine inedite di storia ricavate dall'archivio di Pietro De Stephanis." This session will delve into local historical research, linking past narratives to present understandings.
The "La Primavera dei libri" event is part of the broader "Il Maggio dei Libri" campaign, a national initiative aimed at promoting reading and literature. Additionally, it coincides with the eighth edition of Archivissima, a festival dedicated to the promotion and enhancement of archival heritage, scheduled to take place in Turin from June 5 to June 8, 2025. This festival will feature hundreds of initiatives across the country.
Key partners in the Bugnara event include the Università Sulmonese della Libera Età (USLE), the Ubik "Fuori di penna" bookstore in Sulmona, the Fondazione Pascal D’Angelo, and the Municipality of Bugnara, which has been recognized as a "Città che legge" for the triennium 2024-2026.
As Bugnara gears up for this literary celebration, the community is invited to engage with its rich cultural heritage, explore the significance of archives, and honor the legacy of Vittorio Clemente through a series of enriching discussions and activities.
