L’Eredità delle Donne Comes to Reggio Emilia

From 20 to 25 November 2026, a programme of talks, books, art and performances celebrates women’s courage, freedom and achievements.
Events will take place across the city and the surrounding area, with a series of initiatives continuing until 30 November.

For the first time, L’Eredità delle Donne (The Legacy of Women) comes to Reggio Emilia.
The festival celebrates women’s empowerment and highlights women’s talent, skills and experiences. Its artistic director is Serena Dandini.

Now in its ninth edition, the 2026 festival is entitled “Paura non avremo” (We Will Not Be Afraid), an invitation to reflect on courage, freedom, rights and female self-determination.
The theme is particularly significant in the year marking the 80th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote in Italy.
It explores both history and contemporary society, bringing together the voices of women who contribute to social change every day.

In Reggio Emilia, the festival comes to life through a rich programme of events combining culture, current affairs, memory, art and public engagement.
Talks with writers, journalists, artists, researchers and activists alternate with book presentations, theatre performances, exhibitions, urban walks and opportunities for discussion.

Highlights include the talk Essere sé stesse: un atto di coraggio (Being Yourself: An Act of Courage), taking place on Friday 20 November at MAPEI Stadium.
The event explores the freedom to express one's identity and features footballer Alice Pignagnoli.
On Saturday 21 November, history and memory take centre stage with Sulle orme delle partigiane (Following in the Footsteps of Women Partisans), an urban walk exploring places connected with women in the Italian Resistance.
The day also features talks and literary events at Teatro Ariosto and Libreria All’Arco.
On Sunday 22 November, Teatro Cavallerizza hosts Le ragazze salveranno il mondo (Girls Will Save the World), a performance dedicated to women's role in environmental activism.

The programme continues with events focusing on the prevention of gender-based violence, equality, gender medicine, cooperation, science and the role of women in contemporary society.
Wednesday 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, will feature numerous awareness-raising initiatives, talks and performances. Among them is La mia voce (My Voice), at Teatro Cavallerizza, dedicated to the story of Jessica Filianti.

Alongside the main festival programme, the OFF Programme brings events into the everyday spaces of the city, including libraries, museums, theatres, bookshops, cultural venues and community centres throughout Reggio Emilia and its province.
Exhibitions, workshops, talks and projects organised by local associations and cultural organisations create a wide-ranging programme, with events running from 4 to 30 November.

This is an opportunity to discover Reggio Emilia through its cultural venues and the many organisations that bring the local community to life, while taking part in a collective project that brings together different generations, experiences and perspectives.

Practical Information and Full Programme

Events take place at various venues across Reggio Emilia and the surrounding area.
Many activities are free of charge, while some require advance booking.

Explore the full L’Eredità delle Donne programme and discover all the events included in the OFF Programme.