The Italian Cultural Institute in Pretoria, together with embassies, consulates, and partner institutions, is proud to present the 25th Week of the Italian Language in the World, taking place from 11 to 25 October 2025 across Southern Africa.
This year’s theme, “Italofonia: Italian Beyond Borders”, celebrates the vitality and influence of the Italian language and culture across diverse communities, traditions, and creative practices. The programme features a wide range of events — from music and literature to cinema, academic seminars, technology, and family activities — hosted in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Windhoek, and Antananarivo.
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
- Oct 11: Literary Cocktail with author Maria Grazia Calandrone. Featuring interviews and readings from her work. More info here: https://iicpretoria.esteri.it/en/gli_eventi/calendario/maria-grazia-calandrone-in-south-africa/
- Oct 11: The Italian Cultural Institute’s Book & Wine Club will be reading and discussing Maria Grazia Calandrone’s “Your Little Matter“. The Book & Wine Club on 11 October.
For more information on the book club please write to iicpretoria.corsi@esteri.it
- Oct 15 & 17: “Viva la Creatività!” Illustration Workshops with artist Micha Dalcol in different schools presented by the the Embassy of Switzerland in collaboration with our Institute.
- Oct 16: Academic Seminar “Viva la Creatività!” by Micha Dalcol at WITS University, in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute in Pretoria and the Embassy of Switzerland
For information please write to: gisele.kendeck@eda.admin.ch
- Oct 17: Academic Seminars by Consolato Generale d’Italia in collaborazione con Dipartimento di Italiano di Wits, AI & linguaggio – tradurre con l’AI, Conferenza su AI e apprendimento delle lingue,traduzione e interpretariato – in ambito SLIM
For information please write to: scuola.johannesburg@esteri.it
- Oct 21: Opera Show: “Opera, Amore” A magnificent Opera performance at Joburg Theatre, presented by with the Italian Cultural Institute in Pretoria in collaboration with the prestigious Maggio Musicale Fiorentino.
More info here: https://iicpretoria.esteri.it/en/gli_eventi/calendario/accademia-del-maggio-musicale-fiorentino-back-in-south-africa-soon/
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA
- Oct 18: The Italian Language Festa! – Family Fun Day in Ticino
Join us for a joyful finale to Italian Language Week, filled with laughter, play, and discovery!
From the thrilling “Mystery Mission” with Micha Dalcol to games, a bouncing castle, and a supervised swimming pool, there’s something for everyone.
Enjoy the day together with complimentary Italian snacks and refreshments in the welcoming setting of the Swiss Residence.
RSVP to: gisele.kendeck@eda.admin.ch
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
- Oct 12: “Evviva la Creatività!” Illustration Workshop with Micha Dalcol. Hosted by the Societa’ Dante Alighieri in collaboration with UCT, the Italian Cultural Institute in Pretoria and the Embassy of Switzerland.
More information at info@ladante.co.za
- Oct 13: Literary Cocktail with author Maria Grazia Calandrone. Hosted at the Cape Town Club presented by the Italian Consulate in collaboration with UCT, the Italian Cultural Institute in Pretoria and Dante Alighieri Society.
More information at info@ladante.co.za
Week of Oct 13–18: Academic Seminars at University of Cape Town
- Laboratorio di scrittura creativa. Seminar by Maria Grazia Calandrone – organised by Mara Boccaccio (Oct 14, 10:00-11:00)
- Imparare a tradurre e tradurre per imparare – by Chiara Ronchetti (Oct 15, 12:00–14:00)
- Italofonia: un ponte tra Italia e Sudafrica – by Federica Chessa (Oct 16, 14:00–15:00)
WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA
- Oct 25: OPERA GALA CHARITY CONCERT at the College of Arts. Presented with the Club Italiano Namibia and the College of Arts. (details TBC)
- More information at: details to be confirmed
MADAGASCAR
- Antananarivo: A special concert by the Società Dante Alighieri and the Honorary Consulate of Italy.
(details TBC)
- Nosy-be: October: Official Opening of the ENAIP School by the Italian Consulate. A new centre for professional training!
(details TBC)