Festival of Adolescence

An Odyssey in search of new paths through adolescence. This is the theme chosen for the first edition of the Festival of Adolescence, born from a collaboration among twelve municipalities in the Martesana region to create a space for dialogue about the younger generations and the transformations they are experiencing. A widespread festival that took the theme of adolescence beyond a single location, spanning Cologno Monzese, Vimodrone, Pioltello, Cassina de’ Pecchi, Bussero, Cambiago, Carugate, Cernusco sul Naviglio, Gessate, Pessano con Bornago, Rodano, and Segrate.

Over seven days, 70 events shaped a veritable marathon of gatherings: talk shows, conferences with experts, workshops, discussion sessions, and social gatherings brought teenagers, families, educators, professionals, and adults together around the same table. At the heart of it all were questions about what it means to grow up today: the relationship with technology, the need for connection, the changing spaces and timelines of adolescence, as well as intergenerational relationships. Among the guests were scholars and experts such as Daniele Novara, Matteo Lancini, and Don Claudio Burgio, along with spokesperson Germano Lanzoni.

With a potential audience of 400,000 young people, the Festival of Adolescence thus seeks to transform a reflection on the younger generations into a collective experience. Its strength lies in its widespread reach and its ability to connect different regions: twelve municipalities that have chosen to explore together the future of their young people, creating opportunities where knowledge, fun, and dialogue can come together. A journey that is still in its early stages, seeking new paths between technology, relationships, and generations.