The 14th edition of Roses, Books, Music, Wine begins this Friday 9th May in the rose garden of the San Giovanni Park, the cultural festival promoted by the University of Trieste and the social cooperative Agricola Monte San Pantaleone. This year, the initiative will explore the theme of power, replacing the language of domination with that of persuasion, protection, construction, and the initiation of processes, above all for those who do not hold power. A complex and multifaceted topic, it will be addressed through a programme of events taking place every Friday in May in a unique location that in 2015 received the Certificate of Excellence from the World Federation of Rose Societies. In addition to the talks, the programme features walks, concerts, tastings, and conversations on nature and wine.

This Friday at 18:00, the conference cycle will be inaugurated with the presentation of the book Capire il populismo (Understanding Populism, UTET, 2024) by Petra Guasti and Mattia Zulianello. The volume offers an innovative and engaging perspective on populism, redefining how we understand power in contemporary politics and debunking numerous myths through 85 essays written by emerging scholars and internationally renowned experts.

Mattia Zulianello, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Trieste and national coordinator of the research project The Visual Politics of Populism, will be in conversation with Enrico Marchetto, social media strategist and lecturer in Digital Strategies for Tourism at the University of Udine. The discussion will be introduced and moderated by Tiziana Montalbano, journalist and expert in digital communication, Head of Communication and Content at Parole O_Stili.

Opening the day at 15:30 will be a psychiatric walk led by Mario Novello, psychiatrist and former collaborator of Franco Basaglia (meeting point at the entrance to the rose garden).

At 17:15, there will be a talk with Martina Malalan, herbalist, on the aromatic herbs of the Karst and their properties. The discussion will be led by journalist and author Simonetta Lorigliola, an expert in material culture, who will also host the 19:00 talk with Nataša Humar, winemaker and owner of the Humar estate in San Floriano del Collio (Gorizia). In the year that celebrates Nova Gorica–Gorizia European Capital of Culture, they will discuss Border vineyards and wines between Collio and Brda.

Concluding the day will be a musical performance by Le Missmas — Angela Cotterle, Tea Sergi, and Anna Guzzardi — a Trieste-based trio whose repertoire ranges from Italian singer-songwriter pieces to international pop.

As in previous years, special attention will also be paid to young children (aged 0–6): MiniMu and Nati per Leggere will host a session from 16:30 to 18:00 featuring books and flowers (reservation appreciated: +39 349 3256747).

In the event of bad weather, the events will be held at the Franca and Franco Basaglia Theatre.

During the festival days, lunch and dinner will be available at the Il Posto delle Fragole Bar and Restaurant, which will also offer takeaway options from its menu. Booking is recommended: +39 040 578777.

The bookstall will be curated by the independent bookshop Minerva.