Paper Fest – Books in the Square

A square of words in the heart of Carrara

Every summer, Paper Fest – Books in the Square transforms the center of Carrara, the city of marble in the province of Massa-Carrara (Tuscany), into a large open-air living room dedicated to books and current affairs. The festival is organized by Paper First, the publishing house of Società Editoriale Il Fatto, and gathers journalists, writers, and commentators in Piazza Matteotti for a day of presentations and debates open to all.

The festival of Il Fatto Quotidiano

What makes Paper Fest special is its identity: not just a simple series of book launches, but a true marathon of independent information. The stage hosts the most recognizable voices of Il Fatto Quotidiano, from editor-in-chief Marco Travaglio to Peter Gomez, from Andrea Scanzi to Daniela Ranieri, alongside analysts and authors discussing their latest works with the public. The meetings range from politics to international affairs, from history to language criticism, always maintaining the direct and conversational style that characterizes the publishing house.

The tenth anniversary of Paper First

The 2026 edition has a special significance: it marks the tenth anniversary of Paper First, founded in 2016. To celebrate this milestone, the festival concentrates a dense sequence of events into a single day, from morning to evening, with presentations taking place both in the Chamber of Commerce hall (Piazza 2 Giugno) and, in the afternoon, on the stage set up in Piazza Matteotti.

Carrara, a city of marble and culture

The choice of Carrara is no coincidence: the Apuan city, world-famous for its marble quarries, has a long tradition of free thought and civic engagement. Piazza Matteotti, with its historic buildings, offers an elegant and intimate setting that brings the audience closer to the speakers. The event is held under the patronage of the Municipality of Carrara.

A free and popular event

Admission to Paper Fest is free and open to the public, subject to availability. It is the ideal opportunity to meet the protagonists of the Italian public debate, listen to their book presentations, and participate in a direct dialogue in one of the most beautiful squares in northern Tuscany.