The Week of the Italian Language, an annual global event, is celebrated this year between 19-25 October with the theme “Lingua Geniale”, and Taalhuis Amsterdam is hosting a one-day festival dedicated to the Italian language and culture.

Our school has been teaching Italian for many years, and we’re proud to have welcomed so many students who made this “Lingua Geniale” their own. In this festival, we are excited to extend this welcome to an even wider audience: from Italians missing a taste of home, to those who’ve never spoken a word of Italian, or anyone who simply loves discovering new cultures. This festival is for anyone ready to enjoy a little piece of Italy, if only for a day.

Throughout the day you’ll find countless options to immerse yourself in the Italian language, culture and tastes. You’ll find yourself in Italy, surrounded by food and drinks and artisanal products all from Italian soil.

And of course we will close the day with an Aperitivo Parlante, live music, Italian cocktails and chit-chat.

Saturday, 24 October 2026
12:30-21:00
Gerard Doustraat 220

Program:

Ground floor
12:30 – Doors open and welcoming
14:00-14:45 – Impro theater show by AmsterDaje
17:30-18:00 – Aperitivo parlante
19:00-19:45 – Live music show by AcquAria trio (Vincenzo Castellana, Joris van Beek, Remco Sietsema)
19:45-20:30 – Sing-along with Taalhuis band
Delicious Sardinian food from Pasta Paradijs all day.

1st floor
12:45-13:30 – “…E alla fine diventai Betty Boop” book reading & signing by Carmelinda Gentile
13:15-14:00 – Lecture: Contemporary Italian music by Luca Di Maio
14:00-14:30 – Mini Italian lesson for beginners
14:00-14:45 – Lecture: Goede Hollanders. De Nederlandse zoeaven en het Italiaans (1860-1870) by Koen de Groot
15:00-15:45 – Italian conversation with theatre techniques (A2+ level) with AmsterDaje
15:00-15:45 – Lecture: Het vergeten taalwonder Giacomo Prampolini (1898–1975) by Carmen van den Bergh
15:00-15:45 – Wine tasting: Italy through Wine: Volcanoes in a Glass (€15)* with Barbara Summa*
15:45-16:30 – Italian conversation with Theatre techniques (A2+ level) with AmsterDaje
16:00-16:45 – Lecture: De Dante Alighieri, tussen ‘italsimpatia’ en culturele diplomatie by Arnold Witte
16:30-17:15 – Wine tasting: Two Wines, Two Italies (€15)* with Barbara Summa
16:30-17:00 – Mini Italian lesson for beginners
17:00-17:45 – Lecture: Italian TV and Identity by Valentina Abbatelli

Cinema, il Giornale, Roma Aeterna, Dante Alighieri, Italstudio, and Labrys

2nd floor
12:30-17:30 – Mercato with Levende Talen, Het Amsterdams Lyceum – Corso Italiano, Alfabeto Libri, Armonia Estetica, Momentiblu, Julia Bridge studio, Foldo Piadina
12:30-17:30 – Readings and games for children
15:00-17:00 – Mini pasta workshops with Marzia

* Wine tastings cost an additional €15.