Autobiography Festival

A festival dedicated to the art of self-writing

The Autobiography Festival is one of the most unique cultural events in Tuscany and across the entire national landscape. Every year, at the end of summer, the medieval village of Anghiari, in the province of Arezzo, becomes a meeting point for those who believe in the value of personal memory and the power of the written word. For three days, the town's squares, theater, library, and historic palaces host dialogues, conferences, workshops, and moments of sharing centered around a simple yet profound idea: telling one's own life story is an act of knowledge and self-care.

The Free University of Autobiography

The festival is promoted by the Free University of Autobiography of Anghiari (LUA), founded in 1998 by the pedagogue and philosopher Duccio Demetrio together with Saverio Tutino. For over twenty years, the LUA has been an international reference point for studies on memory, autobiographical narrative, and the pedagogy of writing. The festival represents its most anticipated public event, attracting scholars, writers, teachers, therapists, and curious individuals from all over Italy to Anghiari.

The theme of the 2026 edition

The 2026 edition, scheduled from September 4th to 6th, revolves around the theme "Autobiography through the stages of life", under the scientific direction of Duccio Demetrio. This guiding thread invites reflection on how self-narration changes and enriches itself throughout the entire span of existence, from childhood to old age, and how writing can accompany every season of life.

Meetings, workshops, and narratives

The festival program weaves together different languages and formats:

• Dialogues and conferences with writers, philosophers, and memory scholars;
• Autobiographical writing workshops by registration, led by LUA instructors;
• Book presentations and awards related to the culture of self-narration;
• Narrative walks and events spread throughout the village streets.

Everything takes place in the setting of Anghiari, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, overlooking the Tuscan Valtiberina: a place that, with its alleys and panoramic views, amplifies the intimacy and charm of the experience.

Why attend

The Autobiography Festival is not just a simple calendar of events, but a community experience that combines cultural reflection and personal growth. It is designed both for those involved in writing, education, and care, and for those who simply wish to approach the pleasure of telling and being told. In an era of fast and fragmented stories, Anghiari offers three days to slow down and give value to your own history.