A Festival for Youth and Community
On May 10, the “6 Maggio 1848” Cultural Center hosted over 500 participants, dozens of volunteers, and scout groups from far away, transforming the venue into a hub of energy and creativity. Free workshops introduced urban sports such as skateboarding (Agape Skatepark), parkour (Parkour Verona), and basketball (Buster Basket).
Live hip-hop performances by local artists such as Numb, Giosuè, Phil Lemon e Odi, open mic sessions for young rappers, and dance shows from neighborhood schools brought music and culture to the forefront. Alongside the performances, visitors enjoyed a second-hand book market thanks to Ermete Cooperative, a sustainable fashion swap party with Associazione Banco di Comunità, and an art exhibition created with local children imagining a new logo for the center, with the help of Wesley Da Silva artist.
“The festival showed how much young people want to participate and how a place like this can become central to the life of the neighbourhood.” Paolo Marocchio Le Fate ETS organizer said.
Sports in the Park
On May 17, Santa Teresa Park became an open-air sports arena. Hundreds of families and young people took part in free activities: skateboarding, basketball, beach volley, ping pong, running relays, family games, and children’s orienteering. Live music by Accademia19 and emerging artists added rhythm to the afternoon, which closed with awards and a community gathering.
As Stefano Musante, president of Nuova Acropoli Verona, noted: “Sport can truly unite and strengthen a community, especially when lived with such a positive spirit.”
‘What we experienced today is the true meaning of sport: having fun, learning together, challenging ourselves without fear of making mistakes’ said Gaia, a volunteer with Nuova Acropoli.
FABRICA URBANA: Tactical Urbanism in Action
Alongside the festival, FABRICA URBANA Workshop explored urban regeneration in Borgo Roma. After a series of theory and design sessions in March and April, participants—mainly local youth—tested their ideas through a tactical urbanism intervention in Piazza Brodolini on May 17–18. Through collective analysis and design, guided by Architect Francesca Bonadiman, Designer Giovanni Rozio and Architect Rosalba Ferba (Re-Gen ULG Coordinator), they reimagined the square—currently a parking lot—by highlighting hidden values and experimenting with new uses. The result was a collaborative installation of colorful urban graphics, not just decorative but symbolic, encouraging dialogue, connection, and a renewed sense of belonging.
“The project showed how tactical urbanism can empower young citizens, fostering creativity, responsibility, and community care for public spaces.” Architect Francesca Bonadiman said.
In this contest, Life Coach Marika Viali guided the children in composing a song dedicated to the surrounding space. The two days ended with collective singing and dancing, in an explosion of colour and creativity.
