CondiMenti

Three days of book presentations, author meetings, workshops, tastings, and theater performances: from June 28 to 30, the 12th edition of Condimenti – Festival of Food and Literature returns to enliven the park of Villa Salina Malpighi in Castel Maggiore (Bo), with a program for all tastes and all ages. It’s a unique opportunity to spend a few pleasant hours in the park of the 16th-century villa, normally closed to the public, to discover its curiosities and wonders through guided tours, participate in program events, and enjoy lunch, dinner, or a snack by choosing from the street food options provided by food trucks that will be present in the park as every year.

The opening on Friday, June 28, features a live performance by Flò, a refined singer-songwriter, author, and theater actress. In the show "La canzone che ti devo in musica," she takes us on a musical journey from Naples to South America and back, through memory and feelings. On Saturday, June 29, at 5:00 PM, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Mayor, followed by a guided tour of the Villa and Park by Sustenia.

Among the authors who will enliven the days of Saturday and Sunday are Chiara Rapaccini, known as RAP, an illustrator and cartoonist famous for her "Amori sfigati" series. She is also known for being the lifelong partner of the unforgettable Mario Monicelli, to whom she dedicated "Mio amato Belzebù." Ermanno Cavazzoni will be present with his latest book, "Manualetto per la prossima vita," which provides instructions on how to behave in a second or third life to avoid repeating the same mistakes. Another noteworthy event is the presentation-performance of the book "Parole di Ritorno" with author Marco Montemaggi. The event will be introduced by philosopher Mario Enrico Cerrigone and will include a poetic reading by Marco Montemaggi, with brief musical interludes by guitarist Federico Mandini, regional winner of the Alberghini Prize. Also participating is Walter Quattrociocchi, Professor of Computer Science at Sapienza University of Rome, who will present "Polarizzazioni," an investigation into information in the age of social media. Additionally, there will be a meeting with author Paolo Cassoli for the presentation of his book "Marcello Malpighi sospettato di omicidio," a fascinating examination of a crucial moment in the scientific life of the famous scientist.

Don’t miss the event on Saturday, June 29, with Arianna Porcelli Safonov, who in her theatrical monologues, humorously exposes the fleeting trends, vices, and consumerism of contemporary society. In her "Alimentire," Porcelli Safonov takes us into the "big mess" that nutrition has become, highlighting the collective hysteria over dietary trends often followed to keep up with the latest fads. On Sunday, June 30, it's the turn of the funky soul of Daria Bianciardi and the Groove City, promising to get the entire audience dancing.

The partnership with an Italian region is renewed, featuring Lazio and its flavors, with wine and product tastings thanks to the collaboration with the Consorzio del Sistema Castelli Romani. There will also be moments dedicated to wellness, with Pilates and Hatha Yoga classes, health tips from L’Angelica, a long-time sponsor of the Festival, and the organic breakfast on Sunday with Alce Nero. Children’s workshops will be curated by Coop Alleanza 3.0 and the Lèggere Leggére Bookstore with Ludoteca JustPlay. As always, the book corner by the Lèggere Leggére Bookstore will offer a rich selection of books by the featured authors, as well as many new releases and classic literature for both adults and children.

All events are, as always, free of charge. All information can be found on the website www.condimentifestival.it or on the festival's Facebook and Instagram pages.