Tolmezzo Vie dei Libri

Books come to Carnia

Tolmezzo Vie dei Libri is the literary festival of the capital of Carnia, in the province of Udine, created to bring great literature to the Friulian mountains. Promoted by the Municipality of Tolmezzo and the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region with the collaboration of Fondazione Pordenonelegge.it and the artistic direction of Gian Mario Villalta, the festival has established a clear identity in just a few years: a cross-border soul, fostering dialogue between Italian and Slovenian culture, and a strong connection to the Carnic territory and its memory.

Over thirty events blending words and arts

The festival's format goes far beyond book presentations. During the main days, over thirty events intertwine literature, music, dance, and art, involving nationally renowned authors, journalists, communicators, and local voices. The venues are the symbolic places of the city — the Cinema David, the Teatro Candoni, the spaces in the centre, and piazza XX Settembre — which for a few days become a large open-air cultural salon.

The memory of the earthquake and dialogue with Slovenia

Among the most heartfelt themes is the memory of the 1976 earthquake, whose fiftieth anniversary is being commemorated. This theme runs through several meetings and speaks deeply to the Friulian community. The cross-border spirit of the festival is also realised through the Interreg "Dante" project, which promotes cultural exchange between Italy and Slovenia, in line with the border vocation of the entire area.

A festival for the community

With its ability to bring major cultural figures to a mountain setting and connect them with local energies, Tolmezzo Vie dei Libri has become a key event for the start of the Carnic summer, successfully combining the quality of its offerings with popular participation.