Italy
From November 13 to 15, “Oikonomia – Il Festival” returns. Three days of meetings, testimonies, music, and spirituality featuring the presence of spazio + spadoni
Peace is not born solely at diplomatic tables, nor is it built exclusively through agreements between States. It also takes shape in everyday relationships, in economic choices, in dialogue between cultures, and in the ability to recognize in the other a person to welcome.
It is from this awareness that Oikonomia – Il Festival takes its cue, scheduled from November 13 to 15, 2026, at San Leonardo al Palco in Prato.
This is an event that spazio + spadoni promotes not only as a sponsor and through its presence, but above all out of a deep closeness of purpose.
At its heart lies a vision of the economy that places the human person, relationships, and the common good back at the center, moving beyond the logic of profit as an end in itself. It is a way of understanding development that meets the culture of mercy and the commitment to a fairer, more supportive society attentive to the marginalized. Because even the economy, when oriented toward the good, can become a concrete instrument of fraternity.
The theme of this year’s edition, “The reasons and religions of peace and war”, addresses one of the deepest contradictions in human history: that which should foster encounter, such as economy and religion, can sometimes turn into a cause of division and conflict.
How can we restore to the economy its vocation for the common good? And how can we make religious traditions instruments of dialogue rather than opposition?
Born from an intuition of economist Luigino Bruni and the inspiration of Father Guidalberto Bormolini, the Oikonomia project, promoted by “Rebuilding Life” (“Ricostruire la Vita”), offers a path that connects economy and spirituality. These are two dimensions that should not be considered separate, because both concern the way we choose to inhabit the world and care for others.
The program and guests of Oikonomia
The program will bring together scholars, journalists, representatives of different religions, and witnesses of concrete experiences. Among the guests are Giacomo Rizzolatti, to explore the connection between neuroscience and empathy, and Luigino Bruni, alongside Giovanna Melandri and Mauro Del Barba, to reflect on civil economy and social responsibility.
A space will also be dedicated to experiences of redemption through work and enterprise, with the story of the GOEL Cooperative Group, a Calabrian organization committed to fighting mafia culture through a development model based on social justice.
Interfaith dialogue and workshops for nonviolence
Particularly significant is the dialogue among religious traditions. Monsignor Antonio Staglianò, Enrico Fink, and Adnane Mokrani will discuss the relationship between Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, and the possibility that faiths can become bridges of peace. The dialogue will also involve female voices from the three traditions.
There will also be testimonies from those who report on conflicts daily: journalist Nello Scavo and philosopher Tommaso Greco will address the topic of the justifications of war, while cartoonist Mauro Biani and Mao Valpiana will talk about the value of words and images in promoting nonviolence.
Alongside the meetings, workshops on meditation, yoga, music, poetry, and art will offer opportunities to experience the link between inner peace and social peace. Notable musical events include an appearance by Franco Mussida, founder of Premiata Forneria Marconi.
Because peace is not just a goal to be achieved, but a responsibility to be exercised every day. Also through the works of mercy, which teach us to transform indifference into proximity and distrust into welcoming.
Oikonomia invites us to do just this: restart from people, relationships, and the ability to recognize ourselves as brothers and sisters. Because building peace also means choosing, every day, which side to stand on.
Useful Information
- When: November 13-15, 2026
- Where: San Leonardo al Palco, via del Palco 228, Prato.
- Program: www.ricostruirelavita.it/oikonomia
- Registration and info: direzioneoikonomia@ricostruirelavita.it
- Press office: stampa@ricostruirelavita.it
Photo by Oikonomia
