On May 31, 2025, the Piazza della Cortiglia in Pollica, Italy, became the backdrop for a remarkable event marking the conclusion of the project “Un mondo (è) possibile”. This initiative culminated in a collective dinner that celebrated the rich tapestry of cultures united by the universal language of food. Approximately 320 participants gathered around a 75-meter-long table, engaging in a heartfelt moment of conviviality and shared experience.
The essence of this project lies in its exploration of cross-cultural connections through culinary traditions. Dishes created from the fusion of Senegalese and Cilentan cuisines offered guests a gastronomic journey that transcended barriers and embraced diversity. This project emerged from a research endeavor initiated in September 2024 by the transdisciplinary collective M.I.S.T.A.K.E. in the Piazza Garibaldi area of Naples. Engagements and interactions within the community revealed unexpected connections and exchanges, particularly in the blending of culinary traditions from various cultures.
The significance of food, cultural aspects, and shared rituals play a pivotal role in shaping the identities of communities worldwide. This project embodies the idea that engaging with these elements allows us to rediscover a universal way of being together. “A world (is) possible” encapsulates the exchange that flourishes when we come together.
The project was made possible through the active participation of 70 students, five educators, three associations, the Municipality of Pollica, and the Future Food Institute team, alongside local residents. The highlight of the project was the multicultural dinner, skillfully prepared by chefs from the Senegalese and Cilentan communities, along with culinary experts involved in projects in Piazza Garibaldi, Naples, and the Future Food Institute. Together, they co-created a Mediterranean fusion menu designed to unite stories, flavors, and identities.
In the days leading up to this grand event, invitations were extended to the public through a handcrafted sweet, accompanied by a personal invitation letter. The streets and squares of Pollica were festooned with decorations, transforming the public space into a vibrant hub of collective storytelling and interaction.
“A world (is) possible” proved to be more than just a title; it became a tangible practice of recognizing and embracing differences while building new, lasting relationships through the shared experience of our daily sustenance.
M.I.S.T.A.K.E. (Mediterranean Initiative of Science, Technology, Art, Knowledge, and Environment) is a transdisciplinary laboratory focused on experimentation and the sharing of knowledge. It comprises various departments from the University of Naples Federico II, including the Molecular Genetics Laboratory of Insect Vectors from the Department of Biology, the Department of Chemical Engineering, Materials, and Industrial Production, as well as the Academy of Fine Arts in Naples with the Laboratory of New Art Technologies, and the artistic collective Disintegrati.
The Future Food Institute ETS represents a broad ecosystem driving food innovation as a crucial tool to tackle global challenges while promoting sustainable and equitable development, starting from Italy. The Pollica location serves as a hub where daily collaborations bring together individuals from all over the world.
This project illustrates the profound connections formed through shared experiences, shedding light on the opportunities that arise when we engage collaboratively, creating pathways to explore new processes and celebrate our diversity through food.
Photo credits: Press Office by Carmen Vicinanza
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