From November 6 to 9, Genova’s historic centre turned green. The Genova Irish Festival brought together music, dance, literature, history, cinema and more, offering a compact yet rich immersion into Irish culture.
The festival opened with a workshop on the Uilleann Pipes led by Fabio Rinaudo from the Birkin Tree, followed by a concert of Irish ballads with Laura Torterolo and dance by prize‑winning performers Elisa Giunta and Erica Demurtas.
Later, writer William Wall discussed his novel “L’albero della libertà”, set against Northern Ireland’s civil strife, in conversation with festival director Cristiano Palozzi.
Disney graphic-novel artist Andrea Ferraris presented his work on the Saint Patrick’s Battalion with live drawing and storytelling.
Irish history was also explored in Luca Maestri’s “A Nation Once Again”, a musical storytelling set performed with the folk band O’ Bell Andy. Followed by an Irish music session by Irish Trad Liguria to conclude the evening.
Journalist Riccardo Michelucci offered a deeper look into one of Ireland’s darker chapters, the 1975 Miami Showband massacre, during a presentation of his book “Il giorno in cui morì la musica”.
Sara Agostinelli’s edition of Bobby Sands’ prison writings was featured, accompanied by a musical tribute by Mo Chara, performing his rebel song Back Home in Derry.
Film screenings included The Huddle (2021), linking Belfast and Glasgow through sport and identity, and IRA (1994), a documentary exploring the tension in Northern Ireland.
On Sunday, a free workshop from Tara Dance Academy allowed participants to try Irish dance steps.
Gianluca Cettineo led a talk on “I muri di Erin”, a photo journey through Northern Irish murals, joined by Luciana Travierso’s photographic work.
The festival closed with a concert by MeninDublino, mixing Irish drinking songs, traditional tunes and Genovese-pop, followed by an open session with local musicians.
All events took place in the Giardini Luzzati in the heart of Genova’s old town.
The Genova Irish Festival offered visitors a chance to feel an Irish heart in the Mediterranean.
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