Past Editions: Cerealia 2020 – The Cereal Festival
“Dissemination Events In-Person and Online” Regions Involved: Lazio, Sicily, Puglia
The Cerealia International Festival, an interdisciplinary network project inspired by the Vestalia and Ludi of Ceres of ancient Rome, promotes intercultural exchange and enrichment among Mediterranean countries. It serves as a platform for cultural exchange at various levels, addressing topics related to culture, food, environment, tourism, and social and economic dimensions.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and while awaiting the rescheduling of the 10th edition of the Festival in 2021, activities in some regions were adapted from September to December 2020 in agreement with the network of partners. These events, conducted in-person, in hybrid format, or via digital platforms, ensured continuity and broad dissemination of the project.
The initiatives aimed to strengthen the community dimension of the project and develop its interdisciplinary scope, focusing on themes of health and well-being, while drawing on insights gained from exchanges with other festivals in which Cerealia organizers participated during the lockdown through the European Festival Association (EFA), thanks to the EFFE Label, awarded to Cerealia since 2015 as a Festival of European Excellence.
In particular, the second edition of the PonzaPrimaMED event acted within the Euro-Mediterranean context in collaboration with RIDE-APS, promoting and sharing sustainable circular economy models and the dissemination of the 17 UN SDGs of the 2030 Agenda. Other events emphasized the importance of the land and indigenous cultures, reconnecting production territories with consumers’ tables, rediscovering and valuing traditions rooted in respect for the land and its fruits, and celebrating Italy’s tangible and intangible heritage, such as the Mediterranean Diet.
Many activities were dedicated to children and youth, and important anniversaries were celebrated, including 100 years of Gianni Rodari, 200 years of Pellegrino Artusi, and the UN/FAO International Year of Plant Health.
All activities were free to attend with mandatory registration.
Cerealia 2020 was awarded the Medal of the President of the Republic.
ALL PAST EDITIONS
