Overview
- President Sergio Mattarella inaugurated the year, saying "investing in culture means investing in democracy" and warning of renewed "predatory strategies."
- The launch started a year-long program of about 300 events designed to showcase recovery and catalyze urban and social regeneration, including planned reopenings of the Teatro Comunale and Teatro San Filippo.
- Opening day featured performances, a drone show titled "Sotto un Unico Cielo," and the lighting of the "Faro 99" installation.
- Mattarella urged removing territorial imbalances and using innovation and technology to make internal and remote areas more livable.
- Mayor Pierluigi Biondi faced criticism for saying he would not call himself antifascist, later describing the comment as ironic and reaffirming his oath to the Constitution.