Lectorinfabula – Putignano

Lectorinfabula in Putignano

Lectorinfabula is one of the most important cultural festivals in Southern Italy, a European gathering dedicated to books, thought, and debate on the great issues of our time. Born in Conversano and having grown into a widespread festival, it has expanded its reach in recent years to the entire territory of the Metropolitan City of Bari, including Putignano, the Apulian town world-famous for its Carnival.

For a few days in September, Putignano becomes one of the festival's capitals: the Municipal Library, the Municipal Theatre, and the cloisters and squares of the historic centre host meetings with authors, dialogues, exhibitions, and workshops open to all, in an atmosphere of participation that unites citizens, students, and visitors.

A widespread festival in the Metropolitan City of Bari

Lectorinfabula is promoted by the Fondazione Giuseppe Di Vagno (1889-1921), named after the socialist deputy assassinated in 1921, and has made culture as a tool for democracy and citizenship its mission. Over the years, the festival has taken the form of a network: from Conversano, the historic seat of the event, the activities radiate towards numerous municipalities in the Bari area, including Bari, Castellana Grotte, Mola di Bari, Noci, Noicattaro, Putignano, Rutigliano, and Turi.

This territorial dimension makes Lectorinfabula a community project, capable of fostering dialogue between the cities of Puglia and bringing major national and international guests to even the smallest centres, while enhancing local libraries, theatres, and civic spaces.

The theme of the 2026 edition: «The Contested Future»

The 2026 edition, the twenty-second, is dedicated to the theme «The Contested Future. The sense of limits, the measure of rules»: a reflection on sustainability, individual freedoms, rights, and coexistence, entrusted to over two hundred speakers and moderators across one hundred and sixty total events. Alongside the evening and afternoon meetings, the festival dedicates an extensive programme to schools and new generations, with the «Generative Squares» format, designed for intergenerational dialogue.

Literature, current affairs, and civic engagement

What distinguishes Lectorinfabula is its ability to intertwine literature and current affairs: alongside book presentations, there is space for debates on international politics, human rights, the environment, and information, together with exhibitions, screenings, and musical events. In Putignano, the Library cloister also hosts exhibitions curated by the international Librexpression network, dedicated to satirical drawing and freedom of expression.

For the public of Putignano and Puglia, the festival represents an annual opportunity to meet writers, journalists, and scholars up close, in an event with free admission that has successfully combined a high cultural level with deep local roots.