The Artusian Festival closed its doors yesterday evening after shadows (also due to bad weather) and lights (it recovered at the end).
Milena Garavini, mayor of Forlimpopoli, what is your budget?
“In the last few days it has gone very well: on Thursday and Friday there were really a lot of people and it is proof that people really love the party. A heartfelt and eagerly awaited event: the party has not lost its value.”
However, we are starting to talk about a necessary renewal.
“We too are aware that we need a profound restyling, a revision. We must look for a new style perhaps, but still starting from the spirit of the party, which is that of meeting up and being together”.
Can you give some examples?
“Both in some old proposals, such as ‘E Goz’ and Freschineria, which are always lived-in and original, but also in some new arrivals such as Bottega Bastarda and Imbarieg Dur”.
You are referring to catering, which however appears reduced in numbers compared to the past. The other soul of the party are the shows: these too should be relaunched.
“The theme of entertainment and shows is crucial. We will have to think about it, create more engaging, visible and integrated situations within the party”.
Never like this year, apart from the Covid period, Piazza Garibaldi seemed subdued: how to revitalize the heart of the town and the event?
“It is the space dedicated to the products and traditions of the territory. We must try to systematically involve producers, trade associations, Pro Loco and promotion bodies”.
Will anything change from the organizers’ point of view? It’s all in the hands of the Municipality, but with the administration involved, this year perhaps there was a lack of real direction.
“An organizing committee would be a good tool. We need to relieve the organization of a whole technical and logistical part that the offices can no longer do. The only thing I would keep in charge of the Municipality is the direction, but we will all talk about it together” .
Meaning what?
“From September we will open a dialogue with everyone, including public meetings, for suggestions and ideas. I have received compliments and criticisms, but they were combined with a great desire to give suggestions and participate: I think there is still affection for the festival and a positive and constructive spirit”.
