E...state con noi

A square that becomes a literary living room

E...state con noi is the summer literary review that enlivens the center of Russi, a municipality in the Bassa Romagna area in the province of Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna. For four consecutive Wednesday evenings, Piazza Dante transforms into a large open-air living room: chairs arranged among the historic center's buildings, the public arriving at sunset, and on the small stage, an author presenting their book. It is one of the most beloved cultural events of the Russi summer, capable of uniting the intimate dimension of reading with the convivial atmosphere of a town festival.

The format of the meetings

Each evening follows the same ritual: at 9:15 PM, the guest of the evening takes the stage and dialogues with a local reader, ordinary people and enthusiasts who introduce the author and present their work. This choice makes the meetings warm and direct, far from academic tones: listeners hear about books from those who have read and loved them. The review features prominent names in contemporary Italian fiction, often winners of prestigious awards, and pairs them with a loyal audience that returns every year.

Literature, taste, and conviviality

What makes E...state con noi special is also the setting. Before and during the meetings, the food stand offers traditional Romagna dishes, while the Bar Centrale serves drinks, wine, beer, and ice cream: you can dine in the square and then stay to listen. At the end of each evening, the book stall, managed by the bookstore LibriMi, allows you to purchase the presented works and meet the authors for book signings. It's a way to turn the evening into a complete experience, combining culture, taste, and social interaction.

Who organizes it

The review is promoted by the bookstore LibriMi, the Bar Centrale, and the CRAC association, with the patronage of the Municipality of Russi. It is a grassroots project, initiated by booksellers and local businesses, which has consolidated over the years to become a fixed event in the summer calendar of the Bassa Romagna. Admission to all meetings is free.

Why it's worth going

• Four free evenings with nationally renowned authors
• Intimate and informal atmosphere in the historic center of Russi
• Romagna food stand and bar in the square for dinner before the meeting
• Book signings and book stall at the end of each evening
• An event rooted in the community, ideal for those seeking authentic Romagna away from the coast