Maria Corti Festival

The fourth edition of the Maria Corti Festival was held in Otranto from June 13 to 15, 2025, extending to three full days. The chosen theme was the relationship between writing and the times we live in, with the keyword "Spark", a reflection on the social function of literature and its civic responsibility.

The program featured a mix of talks, in-depth discussions, tastings, workshops, city escapes, musical and theatrical performances, tours, and a brand-new section dedicated to children. Guests included Nadia Terranova, a finalist for the 2025 Strega Prize, Claudia Durastanti, poet Fabio Pusterla, Alessandra Battaglia, and Lorenzo Pavolini. A highlight of the year was a special event in Lecce on April 29 and the announcement of the creation of the Maria Corti Literary Prize, established by the Maria Corti Foundation of the University of Pavia. This edition solidified the festival as a key cultural appointment for Otranto and the entire Province of Lecce.