The 2026 Loppiano May Day Festival is themed “ROOTS, discovering what unites us”. Three days of gathering, intercultural dialogue and civic engagement to promote a culture of fraternity among the younger generations
The 2026 Loppiano May Day Festival is themed “ROOTS, discovering what unites us”. Three days of gathering, intercultural dialogue and civic engagement to promote a culture of fraternity among the younger generations
From 1 to 3 May 2026, Loppiano will host a new edition of the Loppiano May Day Festival, the Festival of Fraternity dedicated to young people which, since 1973, has drawn participants from Italy and across Europe to the Valdarno region. “ROOTS, discovering what unites us” is the title of the event: three days of encounters, stories, reflections, workshops, exhibitions, educational and sporting activities dedicated to the theme of roots and cultural diversity.
An invitation to go deeper, to rediscover one’s cultural and spiritual origins as a starting point for encountering others.
“In a world increasingly marked by wars, conflicts, divisions and social fragility, where we live, immersed in digital bubbles that make real encounters with others seem superfluous, amplifying fears and mistrust – explain Emanuele Fattore and Annachiara Fenaroli, among the young organisers of the event – “we want to invite participants at Roots to rediscover, in the diversity of their respective personal, cultural and spiritual roots, not walls that separate but opportunities for encounter, understanding and mutual enrichment. It is with this culture of encounter that we wish to contribute, together with many others, to building an ‘unarmed and disarming peace’.”
1 May: between the stage and ‘navigation’
The heart of the event is 1 May. It begins at 11:00. The stage of the Loppiano Auditorium becomes an intimate space for encounter personal reflection, through various artistic forms: readings, storytelling, music and dance. Outside, on the lawns in front of the San Benedetto Hall, from 12:00, participants will be able to engage with the diversity of others by “sailing” a symbolic ocean that laps the “International Expo of Fraternity”, a small reconstructed world where around 30 entities—including countries and associations—open their doors to sailors to weave a lively and direct dialogue on stories, traditions and customs, with a view to overcoming stereotypes and prejudices.
Among the countries and geographical areas represented: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, the Philippines, France, Guatemala, Ireland, Madagascar, the Middle East, Mexico, Myanmar, Nigeria, the Dominican Republic, Spain, the United States, Venezuela. Local, national and international associations are also taking part in the Expo, including: Associazione Amici del Valdarno – Comunità Islamica, APS Amici di Santa, Centro Sportivo Italiano, Città Nuova Editrice, Economia Disarmata, Istituto Universitario Sophia, Movimento Laudato Si’, Nuovi Orizzonti, Polo Lionello Bonfanti.
The Expo is also the venue for the 4th stage of the CSI in Tour 2026, the travelling sports village of the Italian Sports Centre. Throughout the day, visitors will be able to try out sports and games free of charge. An experience open to all, which promotes sport as a universal language of encounter, inclusion and connection.
At 4.00 pm, the day continues in the Auditorium with “What Unites Us”, an experience of reflection, music, theatre, dance and personal testimonies: stories of migration, exclusion and vulnerability illuminated by hope thanks to encounters with people of good will and civic engagement.
The day concludes outdoors with a collective performance, featuring flags, intercultural music and dance, to bear witness to a diverse and pluralistic humanity that chooses to walk together to build peace.
2 May – Deepening and creating
This is a day dedicated to deepening understanding through thematic, artistic and educational workshops, designed to consolidate the experience and ensure that this year’s theme takes strong and stable “roots” in every participant.
3 May – A gesture for the future
The final day is marked by a symbolic and concrete gesture: the planting of several trees, a sign of care for Creation and responsibility towards future generations.
A history spanning more than fifty years
Established on 1 May 1973, Loppiano’s Primo Maggio has grown into a space for reflection and experience on the major issues of our time: peace, dialogue, justice, fraternity and care for Creation. As part of life at the International town of Loppiano, home to people from over 70 countries, the festival continues to be a living laboratory of fraternity. The experience of living together based on the Gospel law of mutual love (“Love one another as I have loved you”, Jn 15:12), which is lived out in this small town among people of different cultures, languages, religions and countries, has inspired this festival, where different languages come together to create a unique and enriching experience.
Every year, it is the young people themselves who choose the theme and bring their creativity and talents to bear to create a fresh and engaging festival comprising performances, art workshops, dance, music, theatre, seminars, testimonies, moments of intercultural and spiritual dialogue, expos and exhibitions.
With “ROOTS, discovering what unites us”, Loppiano’s May Day 2026 relaunches, starting precisely from the day that symbolises labour and civic commitment, a clear message: peace is built on relationships, on listening to differences and on the willingness to meet and welcome others.
“Because only by tracing our common roots can we truly meet one another: our peace cannot exist without that of others,” explain the young organisers.
A network for fraternity
The Loppiano May Day 2026 is an event of the United World Week. It is promoted by the International Town of Loppiano together with the Youth of the Focolare Movement. It is co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Youth Programme and organised with the support of: FG3, Coesioni, Gen Verde; and in collaboration with AsOne, Associazione Culturale Dancelab Armonia, Economy of Francesco, Gen Rosso, Istituto Universitario Sophia, Polo Formazione Continua & Accompagnamento, Polo FIAT, Polo Lionello Bonfanti.
