Festivals of history: an Italian way towards Public History?

di Francesco Catastini
in Memoria e Ricerca n.s. 37 (2011), p. 143

This paper discusses the absence of public history-teaching programs in Italian universities, and focuses on the practice of history in Italian open public spaces. The emergence of history festivals is analyzed as a phenomenon that affects not only history, but also other disciplines, such as philosophy, literature and even mathematics, and as a way to promote forms of civil engagement trough theater, drama, music and cinema. The paper suggests that the Italian way to Public History -the organization of history festivals- provides an occasion for professional historians to meet the public and to actively participate in civil society. Key words: Public History; History Festival; Theater; Music; Movie; Enga­gement.