Umberto Eco ten years after his death: a global 24-hour web marathon begins to remember him
A global 24-hour web marathon is set to commemorate Umberto Eco ten years after his death, with participation from various cultural institutions.
It has been ten years since Umberto Eco passed away in Milan on February 19, 2016. During this decade, there have been no official initiatives to celebrate his legacy, which was a deliberate choice by the philosopher, semiotician, and writer himself. As the tenth anniversary of his death approaches, however, a broad coalition of voices worldwide is preparing to honor him through a virtual relay that would have delighted Eco, given his curiosity for all media and technological innovations.
The Eco family, the Umberto Eco Foundation, and the Bottega Finzioni Foundation have launched "ECO ECO ECO. A World-Wide Talk for Umberto," a global web marathon running 24 hours a day, supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and promoted via the network of Italian cultural institutes worldwide. The event is curated by Michele Cogo, Riccardo Fedriga, Maria Chiara Galbiati, Roberto Grandi, and Francesca Tancini, with oversight from Eco's children, Carlotta and Stefano, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging remembrance of their father's contributions to literature and culture.
As part of this celebratory event, the streaming will feature discussions, reflections, and insights from various participants, and aims to engage not only his admirers but also a broader audience interested in his work. This initiative marks a significant cultural moment, allowing people across the globe to come together and reflect on Eco's intellectual legacy, making it accessible to new generations and encouraging continued dialogue about his ideas and contributions to the world of literature and semiotics.