messina — The Comune di Messina has opened a public call for cultural proposals for the city’s “Maggio dei Libri” campaign, with submissions due by 6: 00 pm ET on 19 March 2026; separate regional commemorative events for Sebastiano Tusa will offer free entry to museums and parks on 10 March and a guided visit to Itala at 4: 30 pm ET.
Messina: Maggio dei Libri call and key deadlines
The municipal notice published to the city registry invites cultural organizations to submit proposals for events running from 23 April to 31 May 2026 under the theme “Ogni libro è una creatura viva. ” The program, approved by Delibera di Giunta n. 119 on 13 February 2026, is organized across three thematic strands and asks applicants to supply up to three complete proposals with dates, venues and thematic lines. Eligible participants include cultural associations, schools and universities, cultural foundations, bookstores, libraries, theatres and other entities active in promoting reading. Applications must be sent PEC and include the required attachment labeled “Allegato B – Domanda di partecipazione. ” The municipal notice lists attachments All. A (Avviso) and All. B (Domanda di partecipazione). Last updated: 1: 27 pm ET on 9 March 2026.
Expanding details: regional commemorations and the Itala visit
The Regione Siciliana has designated 10 March as a day dedicated to the island’s cultural heritage on the anniversary of archaeologist Sebastiano Tusa. On that day, access to regional museums, archaeological parks and cultural sites will be free, accompanied by scheduled initiatives for citizens, families and students. Selected events include night opening at the Parco archeologico di Siracusa from 7: 00 pm ET to 11: 30 pm ET (last access 10: 30 pm ET) and a programme of guided visits, displays and lectures at institutions across the region. A local commemoration will be held at Palazzo d’Aumale in Terrasini with an unveiling and the dedication of the archaeology section at 4: 00 pm ET on 10 March. The day also features a local, site-specific event in Itala: Archeoclub Area Jonica Messina and partner organisations will host a guided visit to the monastery in contrada Croce at 4: 30 pm ET, where speakers will discuss the monastic history of the site.
Immediate reactions and named participants
Francesco Paolo Scarpinato, Assessor for Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity at the regional government, framed the day as both memory and policy: “The figure of Tusa, a scholar of international renown and a public servant, continues to stand as a benchmark for cultural policies rooted in research, protection and enhancement. This day is not only remembrance but a concrete commitment to make Sicilian heritage more accessible and central to growth. “
Local organisers named in the programme include Ketty Tamà, President of Archeoclub Area Jonica Messina, and Don Salvatore Orlando of the Parrocchia Santi Pietro, Paolo e Giacomo di Itala; the Lions Club of Roccalumera and Letojanni-Valle d’Agrò are listed as participating partners. At Palazzo d’Aumale, Simona Pandolfo will curate a guided visit and puppet master Pietro Scalisi is recorded as a presence for the event there.
Quick context: the municipal call and the regional commemorations run on intersecting cultural calendars: the Maggio dei Libri campaign provides a city-led programme focusing on reading and community, while the regional 10 March initiative spotlights access to heritage in memory of Sebastiano Tusa.
What’s next: organisers in messina must finalize and submit proposals by 6: 00 pm ET on 19 March 2026 to be considered for inclusion in the April–May schedule; on 10 March, citizens can attend free regional events and the scheduled guided visit to the Itala monastery, with further details available from the named municipal and regional institutions handling each programme.
