The recent Mare Nostrum International Conference, a five-day event held in the picturesque Municipality of Bonorva, Sardinia, brought together scholars, officials, and enthusiasts from across the Mediterranean region to explore the rich tapestry of peoples, traditions, and cultures.
Organised by "The Islands", under the leadership of Dr Ivana Legname, the conference featured distinguished participants including Massimo D'Agostino, Mayor of Bonorva; Aldo Salaris, Vice-President of Sardinia's Regional Council; and Giuseppe Catania, Mayor of Mussomeli, Sicily.
The University of Malta's Faculty of Education made a significant impact, with Prof. Mario Pace delivering an enlightening presentation on 17th-century theatre in Malta, Sicily, and Sardinia, highlighting fascinating parallels in theatrical themes and traditions across these Mediterranean islands during the Baroque period.
Dr Lorraine Portelli captivated the audience with her exploration of traditional Maltese attire, focusing on the iconic għonnella and tracing its evolution and historical significance. The għonnella and period costumes were created for TRACtion, an EU-funded project under the Creative Europe Programme (CREA), aimed at promoting these traditional Maltese costumes and preserving cultural heritage.
The conference covered crucial topics such as the preservation of cultural traditions, shared Mediterranean heritage, challenges and opportunities of insularity, and cross-cultural influences in art, literature, and daily life.
By fostering academic and cultural collaboration across borders, addressing common challenges faced by island and coastal communities, and promoting tourism and cultural exchange, the Mare Nostrum conference exemplified the power of cultural exchange in fostering understanding and cooperation among Mediterranean nations, contributing to a more unified and culturally rich region for years to come.
