Three days of celebration, but above all three days of politics. From Friday 21 to Sunday 23 August, Serravalle returns to the centre of San Marino’s political debate with the 53rd edition of the Festa dell’Amicizia, the historic gathering hosted by the Christian Democratic Party (DC).
Behind the food stalls, music and entertainment, the heart of the event will in fact be entirely political. On the table are two of the most sensitive issues for San Marino: the Association Agreement with the European Union and the future of public healthcare. Two topics set to weigh heavily on the autumn and, more broadly, on the choices of the coming years.
The first key appointment is set for Friday 21 August at 9.15pm, when the Terrazza Ex-Ritrovo will host a discussion on what lies ahead for the country following the signing of the Agreement with Brussels. The debate will bring together representatives of the government, the majority, the opposition, business circles and trade unions.
Among those taking part will be Luca Beccari, Gian Nicola Berti, Michele Muratori, Matteo Rossi, Andrea Menicucci, William Vagnini and Francesca Busignani. A cross-party line-up that promises to turn the evening into one of the most politically compelling moments of the Festa.
On Saturday 22, again at 9.15pm, the spotlight will shift to San Marino’s healthcare system, another burning issue. The panel, titled “A stronger healthcare system for a safer community”, will feature newly appointed Secretary of State Massimo Andrea Ugolini, alongside Manuel Ciavatta, Denise Bronzetti, Fabio Righi, Milena Frulli and Enzo Merlini.
This is where the debate could turn even more overtly political: resources, organisation, staffing, services and the overall sustainability of the healthcare system are issues that have fuelled discussion among the majority, the opposition and social partners for months.
The third key moment comes on Sunday 23 August at 8.30pm, when the DC’s political secretary Gian Carlo Venturini will draw the conclusions of the three-day event. It will be the most overtly political moment of the gathering, and a chance to understand what direction the Christian Democrats intend to take heading into autumn.
Alongside the institutional debates, the Festa’s popular spirit remains strong. Friday will feature aerial dance by Virginia Martelli, dialect poetry by Checco Guidi and the Nuova Romagna Folk group. Saturday’s line-up includes Le Sirene Danzanti and the orchestras of Mirco Gramellini & David Pacini, while Sunday belongs to the Rimini Dance Company and Omar Codazzi.
For younger visitors, there will be a dedicated programme at Parco Dante Alighieri, with the Revolution Live Band on Friday and Live Festival performances on Saturday and Sunday. Throughout the event there will be no shortage of stalls, a wheel of fortune, inflatables and food stands.
The grand finale on Sunday evening will be the 2026 Lotteria dell’Amicizia, with 3,500 euros up for grabs along with numerous other prizes.
In short, what opens in Serravalle will be far more than a party festival. It will be one of the first true political tests of the season, with Europe and healthcare taking centre stage and the Christian Democrats called upon to reassert their role during a delicate phase for the country.
