Festival of Peace in memory of Antonio Papisca

A festival for peace in the heart of the Parma Apennines

The Festival of Peace in memory of Antonio Papisca is an annual event that takes place in Pellegrino Parmense, a small village in the Apennines in the province of Parma, in Emilia-Romagna. Promoted by the Municipality of Pellegrino Parmense, the event is dedicated to the memory of Professor Antonio Papisca and concludes with a collective walk to the hamlet of Mariano, his birthplace.

Who was Antonio Papisca

Antonio Papisca (Mariano di Pellegrino Parmense, 1936 - 2017) was a professor of International Relations at the University of Padua and one of the most authoritative Italian scholars of human rights. In 1982, he founded the University Center for Human Rights at the University of Padua, the first university center for human rights in Europe, now named after him. From 1999 to 2017, he held the UNESCO Chair "Human Rights, Democracy and Peace". A man of faith and peace, he dedicated his life to teaching, research, and civil commitment to non-violence. He rests in Mariano, where a plaque commemorates him.

The day: walking, reflection, and conviviality

The heart of the festival is the peace walk, a collective walk that starts from Pellegrino Parmense and crosses the hills of Parma to reach the village of Mariano. The meeting point is set in the late morning, and the route, along scenic paths through the fields, is an opportunity to share words, encounters, and smiles in the spirit of peace and friendship.

Upon arrival in Mariano, the day continues with a convivial outdoor gathering: you can bring a packed lunch or get food from the food truck present on site. In several editions, the final gathering has been accompanied by live music and festive moments for adults and children.

A network for peace

The event is part of a broader network of initiatives for the culture of peace and human rights, which over the years has involved the "Antonio Papisca" University Center for Human Rights at the University of Padua, the PerugiAssisi Foundation for the Culture of Peace, the National Coordination of Local Authorities for Peace and Human Rights, and the National Network of Peace Schools. Alongside the walk, some editions have offered seminars, workshops for schools, and discussion forums on the theme of peace.

Why participate

• An accessible walk through the hills of the Parma Apennines.
• A moment of community and reflection in memory of a great human rights scholar.
• A convivial outdoor lunch in Mariano, with a food truck and music.
• A free event, open to families, young people, and walkers.