From Stories to Change: VOICES’ Last Chapter Brings Celebration to Calabria

VOICES From Migrations’ last event just made an impactful landing in Rosarno, Italy, where the celebration welcomed more than 270 participants from 17 countries.

From 21 - 24 May, the anticipated Multicultural Festival and International Conference struck a chord with both young international students and the citizens of Rosarno, shining a spotlight on intercultural dialogue, migration, and social inclusion.

Over the course of two impactful days, the city transformed into a vibrant multicultural hub where changemakers from across Europe and beyond came together to exchange ideas, celebrate diversity, and experience renowned Italian hospitality. In doing so, the EU project closed with one final meaningful chapter: Bridging Past and Present for a Cohesive and Integrated Society.

VOICES From Migrations participants at the project's audiovisual exhibition.

• A Look Back. A Step Forward.

The first day was inaugurated by Rosarno’s Mayor, Pasquale Cutrì, who introduced the project’s audiovisual exhibition to an audience of international participants and local guests. The exhibition featured key VOICES interviews, infographics, and the work of photographers Alessandro Mallamaci and Fabio Itri.

Heartfelt speeches by students Camila Velez Martinez, Fiorella Rodríguez Santos, Boglár Kiss, and Giuseppe Bellassai also marked the opening ceremony, offering attendees a powerful young perspective on the project’s lasting impact.

Following the ceremony and an interactive exploration of the exhibition panels, participants returned to the main venue for the next activity of the day: workshop simulations on the European Committee of the Regions. After an ice-breaking session and a theoretical introduction, the students split into groups and stepped into the roles of regional representatives, working together to develop policy recommendations aimed at improving the lives of migrants and strengthening integration efforts across Europe.

VOICES' participants at the presentation of the Local Plan Anti-Racism and for Integration.

• A Day to Remember: International Conference and Multicultural Festival

A major highlight arrived on 22 May, with the ceremony marking the implementation of the Local Action Plan Against Racism and for Integration, an actionable document developed during VOICES’ last interviewing events, and announced during the project’s High-Level Summit last January. 

The Plan was presented during a formal session attended by Calabrian policymakers, administrative professionals, project partners, and students. Praised by local authorities, the initiative is expected to support the city’s diverse community and promote long-term inclusion both in Rosarno and in the surrounding areas.

Finally, the event concluded with the long-awaited Multicultural Festival, bringing together dance, music, and culinary traditions from different countries in a celebration of cultural exchange, solidarity, and the richness of diversity. Joined by Calabrian folkloric group QuartAumentata, migrants, locals, and international students laughed, shared, and celebrated well into the night, making the program a truly unforgettable experience.

Participants at VOICES' Multicultural Festival.

A heartfelt thank you goes to all international students, the Rosarno community, Perrotis College, and the many people of migrant backgrounds whose stories and experiences helped shape the VOICES project.

Stay tuned for more to come!

Learn more about VOICES From Migrations here.

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