Resistance Festival 2026 in Rome: memory and future through culture and

Resistance Festival 2026 in Rome: memory and future through culture and music

From 23 to 26 April 2026, Rome stages the fourth edition of the Resistance Festival, a city-wide programme that combines historical reflection with cultural performances and civic engagement. The main hub will be the Mattatoio di Testaccio, arranged as a “Citadel of Resistance” offering open-access events, many of them free.

• Main venue: Mattatoio di Testaccio, hosting lectures, talks, screenings, concerts and shows.
• Commemorations: marking the 81st Anniversary of Liberation and the 80th anniversary of the Constituent Assembly, with tributes to the Women of the Constituent Assembly.
• Programme: over 100 events curated by Silvia Barbagallo, featuring prominent cultural and journalistic guests.
• Artists and guests: musical acts and performances including Punkreas, 99 Posse, Ascanio Celestini; finale with the "Voci resistenti" event and artists such as Paola Turci.
• Tributes: dedicated sections for figures like Tina Anselmi, Nilde Iotti and Sandro Pertini.

The festival spreads across several historical and cultural sites in the capital, turning Rome into a stage of collective memory. Participating locations include:

• Historical Museum of the Liberation
• Mausoleum Ossario Garibaldino
• Parco dei Martiri di Forte Bravetta
• House of Memory and History
• Palazzo delle Esposizioni and Casa del Cinema

Activities include guided tours, exhibitions, film screenings (including tributes to resistance-era cinema such as Rome, Open City), talks and historical routes. Special attention is given to younger audiences with workshops organized by the Rome Libraries to pass on the values of freedom and civic participation.

A symbolic moment is the traditional anti-fascist pasta meal on 26 April at the Città dell’Altra Economia, blending community and remembrance.

Practical tips for attendees:

• Check the detailed schedule for times and locations: many events are free but some may require booking.
• Bring ID for museum visits where guided tours require registration.
• Monitor official channels for any last-minute changes.

The Resistance Festival 2026 aims to be more than a commemoration: it is a living cultural laboratory that connects history and contemporary expression, inviting citizens of all ages to participate.