Lecco, Gianni Rodari is remembered on his centenary

Lecco, 2020 marks the centenary of the birth of Gianni Rodari, a period of time that leaves those who know him through his books incredulous, because for decades they have told a reality always current, they lucidly describe feelings that are still true with brilliant simplicity.

To celebrate the anniversary, the EL EMME Einaudi Ragazzi publishing house has made the panels of the exhibition “Il favoloso Gianni – Mural anthology in 21 panels” available to schools, libraries, bookshops and other cultural institutions that have requested them. Some of these contents were exhibited for the first time in the 80s by the Democratic Parents Coordination, a non-profit organization founded in 1976 by Marisa Musu and Gianni Rodari in the wake of movements for participation and democratic renewal of traditional institutions, with texts by Gianni and drawings by Paola Rodari.

The Municipality of Lecco joined the initiative by printing the 21 panels for an exhibition ready to "travel" to schools and libraries in the area. For the inauguration on March 26, canceled due to the Covid-19 health emergency, a conference was planned, in which three important writers would participate: Mariapia Veladiano, Andrea Vitali and Stefano Bordiglioni. The three speakers recorded their speeches in a video conference held on 27 April in the council chamber of the Municipality of Lecco, which will be broadcast on the institutional YouTube channel.

“A great man of culture and an ever-present writer, like his children's literature and his civil commitment – ​​comments the mayor of Lecco Virginio Brivio – Gianni Rodari addressed adults by speaking to children, stimulating the imagination of the most small to send profound messages to the older ones. His legacy can be contained in a sort of permanent education, through imagination, which also in this period suggests us to rethink and rediscover human relationships."