In the picturesque town of Peccioli, Italy, the 2025 edition of the Pensavo Peccioli festival is underway, inviting attendees to pause and reflect on the rapidly changing world around them. Running from March 28 to March 30, this festival offers a rich tapestry of voices and insights from experts, writers, journalists, and artists, all united under the thought-provoking question: "What is happening to us and the world?" Directed by Luca Sofri, the festival marks its fifth edition this year.
Mayor Renzo Macelloni emphasizes the significance of this initiative, describing it as a unique opportunity for dialogue about the ongoing changes in a tangible setting. "This is a rare chance to discuss the transformations we are experiencing in a small, yet historically rich, town that looks toward the future with an innovative spirit," he stated.
Throughout the festival, which runs daily from 5 PM to 9 PM, three main venues—Palazzo Senza Tempo, Cinema Passerotti, and Galleria dei Giganti—host a variety of events, including conferences, book presentations, exhibitions, and dialogues.
The festival kicked off on March 28 with Riccardo Falcinelli presenting his book Visus: Storie del volto dall’antichità al selfie at Palazzo Senza Tempo at 5 PM. Following him, at 6 PM, Paolo Nori introduced his latest work, Chiudo la porta e urlo, at Cinema Passerotti. At 6:30 PM, Lorenzo Mattotti and journalist Concita De Gregorio inaugurated the exhibition Un fantastico altrove, showcasing Mattotti's artwork, including the festival's poster.
Later that evening, Michele Serra presented his event Ok boomer! at 9 PM at Galleria dei Giganti, engaging in a dialogue with Sofri. The festival's lineup also features prominent figures such as Francesco Costa, deputy director of Il Post; Francesco Piccolo, a writer and screenwriter; and Gianrico Carofiglio, a writer and former magistrate.
On March 29, the festival continued with a packed schedule. At 10:30 AM, Sofri and Costa led a session titled I giornali, spiegati bene at Palazzo Senza Tempo, discussing the intricacies of journalism. At noon, Camila Raznovich appeared to reflect on Peccioli's recent accolade as the Borgo dei Borghi 2024, engaging in a dialogue with Matteo Bordone.
The afternoon featured a series of presentations, including Mario Desiati and Alessandra Tedesco discussing Malbianco at 2:30 PM, and Silvia Bencivelli presenting Tre colpi di genio e una pessima idea at 3 PM. Beppe Severgnini joined Sofri at 4 PM at Galleria dei Giganti for a discussion on the passage of time in Socrate, Agata e il futuro.
As the day progressed, Edoardo Albinati and Marino Sinibaldi presented I figli dell’istante at 4:30 PM, followed by Francesco Piccolo and Chiara Valerio discussing Son qui: m’ammazzi at 5:30 PM. At 6 PM, Michele Serra and Mia Canestrini explored the themes in Attorno a Leggere gli alberi, before Gianrico Carofiglio continued the evening at 7 PM with a conversation about recognizing our errors in Elogio dell’ignoranza e dell’errore.
The festival not only serves as a platform for diverse voices but also as a means for participants to gain a deeper understanding of contemporary issues. Topics range from politics and economics to culture and environmental concerns, with a focus on how today’s realities are reshaping values, relationships, and habits.
To facilitate access to the event, the Peccioli administration has arranged a shuttle service operating from 3 PM to 11:30 PM on March 28, and from 9 AM to 8:30 PM on March 29 and 30. This initiative underscores the festival's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
Pensavo Peccioli stands out as a unique opportunity for reflection and dialogue, inviting participants to engage with a variety of perspectives and explore the social, economic, and cultural changes shaping our world. It is more than just a festival; it is an experience that encourages everyone to stop, observe, and contemplate the evolution of our society in a small corner of Tuscany.
