Mattarella inaugurates L'Aquila as Capital of Culture 2026: "Investing in culture is investing in democracy."

"Culture is the principal instrument of dialogue and therefore of peace." With these words the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella opened his speech at the inaugural ceremony of L'Aquila Italian Capital of Culture 2026, outlining a vision that goes beyond the individual event and takes on a profoundly political and civic significance. According to the Head of State, investing in culture means strengthening democracy because culture is the engine and glue of civilization, a shared heritage that fosters coexistence and the rejection of any hostile force capable of suppressing humanism.

A historical time marked by conflicts and new threats

In his speech, Mattarella lucidly recalled the current international context, marked by the resurgence of wars, predatory strategies, and the desire for domination that were thought to be a permanent feature of the twentieth century. In this context, the value of culture stands out even more forcefully, as it represents a space for discussion, shared research, and peacebuilding. Culture, the President emphasized, is not an accessory good but a necessity to counteract barbarism and reaffirm the values ​​of human dignity.

L'Aquila, capital of forgiveness and reconciliation

Addressing the host city, Mattarella recalled the symbolic significance of L'Aquila as the capital of forgiveness, peace, and reconciliation, echoing the words spoken by Pope Francis during his 2022 visit. A seed the world desperately needs today, making the city's role even more significant in 2026. The Pardon, a legacy of Celestine V, was hailed as a universal symbol capable of speaking to everyone, transcending social and cultural barriers.

Capital of Culture as a collective opportunity for growth

The recognition as Italian Capital of Culture, according to the President of the Republic, concerns not just one city, but the entire community. It is an opportunity to be shared, a chance for growth based on dialogue, discussion, and exchange. Culture, Mattarella reiterated, is a heritage that develops over time and leaves a profound mark on civic consciousness, contributing to the development of a more aware and cohesive community.

Innovation and human values ​​in the changing times

In outlining the challenges of modernity, the Head of State emphasized the need to combine innovation and human values. New technologies must make territories more livable and connected, promoting sustainable development models, without, however, losing sight of the civil and social achievements achieved through great sacrifices. In an era in which the distinction between center and periphery is fading, the battles against exclusion, marginalization, and territorial and environmental imbalances remain central.

The post-earthquake recovery is a challenge for Italy.

Mattarella then recalled the tremendous ordeal L'Aquila faced after the 2009 earthquake, a tragedy that profoundly affected the city and the entire country. Reconstruction and revitalization are not yet complete, but the results achieved demonstrate the city's ability to respond and mobilize collective energy. Being the Capital of Culture represents a valuable contribution to this journey, an undertaking that belongs first and foremost to the L'Aquila community, but is dear to the heart of all of Italy.

Culture as an investment in community and democracy

At the heart of his speech, the President of the Republic reiterated a key concept: investing in culture means investing in the community and in the development of civic consciousness, and therefore in democracy. Italy's historical, artistic, and cultural richness is the fruit of centuries of encounters, exchanges, and innovations. The responsibility of institutions and citizens is to allow culture to continue to develop, to make its way, and to sow the seeds of the future.

The voices of the institutions and the value of rebirth

Other authoritative institutional figures also spoke at the inaugural ceremony. The Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli He described the recognition as a seal of rebirth, far removed from the rubble of the earthquake, emphasizing L'Aquila's vocation as a place of cultural and moral regeneration. The mayor Pierluigi Biondi Instead, he reiterated that culture means respect for people, comparison, and cross-fertilization, recalling the importance of involving younger generations in building the future.

A legacy that looks beyond 2026

The official launch of the Italian Capital of Culture year ushers in a season that aims to leave a lasting legacy, transforming culture from an extraordinary event into a permanent infrastructure for development, identity, and participation. Mattarella's words closed the ceremony with a call for hope and shared responsibility, identifying culture as the strongest bridge between memory, present, and future.