Culture as a tool for encounter, participation, and collective growth. This is the vision of the Cagliari municipal administration, which is once again promoting two of the city's main summer events for 2026: "Si muove la Città" and "Carmine 2026."

The events were presented this morning at Palazzo Bacaredda by Mayor Massimo Zedda, Culture Councilor Maria Francesca Chiappe, and the organizers.

Two programs with different approaches and offerings, yet united by the goal of bringing performances, music, literature, and moments of discussion to neighborhoods and public spaces, "engaging citizens of all ages, visitors, and tourists," the mayor emphasized, noting the many initiatives that will be supported and promoted by the administration.

The season will kick off with "Si muove la Città," a festival promoted by the Department of Culture and organized by Forma e poesia nel jazz together with Massimiliano Medda and MIS Factory. The opening event, on June 11th, will feature an evening of humor and contemporary storytelling, with Dario Vergassola taking the stage. Until September 10th, the program will offer free events in some of the most evocative locations in the Sardinian capital, from the Giardino Sotto le Mura to the Bastione Saint Remy, from the former Glassworks Park of Pirri to the Tuvixeddu Park, a new addition for 2026 with the Skatepark (between Via Pessagno and Via Rockefeller).

The festival will span a variety of genres and audiences, from the comedy of Dario Vergassola and Sandro Cappai to the jazz of the Danilo Rea Trio, the blues of the Francesco Piu Band, literary tributes to Sergio Atzeni and Piergiorgio Pulixi, the electronic music of Basstation, and performances for children and families. A truly widespread cultural journey, connecting the city center and the suburbs, enhancing urban heritage through art and participation.

With "Chiuso per Festa" by and featuring Matteo Porru, a few days later, on June 19th, the new edition of "Carmine 2026" will kick off in Piazza Del Carmine, promoted by the Municipality of Cagliari and organized by CeDAC, the Multidisciplinary Circuit of Live Entertainment in Sardinia. Until September 12th, the historic city square will become a large open-air stage for theater, music, literature, poetry, contemporary circus, and family-friendly activities.

The "Carmine 2026" lineup, comprising 18 events, brings together some of the most exciting names on the national scene. Guests include Ugo Dighero, protagonist of the tribute to Dario Fo with "Lo Santo Jullare Francesco," Lino Musella, who will perform Mahmoud Darwish's verses in "State of Siege," and Valentino Mannias, winner of the 2025 Hystrio Prize and the 2024 Ubu Prize, author and performer of "Hamlet in Purple," an original reinterpretation of Shakespeare's masterpiece.

There's also room for music and storytelling with "Il Mare nel Cassetto," dedicated to Franco Battiato and performed by journalist and host Silvia Boschero, along with singer-songwriter Giua and violinist Anaïs Drago. Gianmarco Pozzoli will offer his ironic, everyday reflections in "Even Ants Use a Jack."

"Poetry will be one of the protagonists of the 2026 edition, with the meeting dedicated to the finalists of the Strega Poetry Prize," Councilor Chiappe emphasized, echoing the mayor's sentiments. And so, on July 17th, Carmen Gallo, Federico Italiano, Isabella Leardini, Fabrizio Lombardo, and Vincenzo Ostuni will engage with the public through readings of their works.

Alongside theater and literature, there will also be space for new circus and artistic experimentation. The duo Nando and Maila will present "Sconcerto d'Amore," a show combining comedy, acrobatics, and live music, while Kulu Orr will surprise audiences with "Control Freak," an original journey through circus arts, technology, and music, exploring Bach, the Beatles, and Nina Simone.

Music will once again take center stage with "Ritmi Urbani," a concert by the Drum and Bass ensemble - Sardinia Opera, along with the Solisti del Teatro Lirico di Cagliari, and "S'ardiCity" by Malasorti, a project that blends electronic music, hip hop, improvised poetry, and urban sounds. Argentine tango will also be featured in "Nostalgia," a show that blends music, dance, and storytelling.

Great attention will also be paid to the younger ones. Piazza Del Carmine will host the Olympias days, dedicated to traditional Sardinian games, while girls and boys can transform into little detectives thanks to a project inspired by the adventures of Sherlock Holmes, led by actress Michela Atzeni.

(Unioneonline)

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