On Saturday, March 14 at 10:00 a.m., the electoral assembly of IOV Italy—the national committee of the International Organization of Folk Art (IOV), an international body dedicated to safeguarding and promoting intangible cultural heritage and folk traditions—was held in the Viterbi Hall of the Province of Bergamo.
For the occasion, representatives and delegates from across Italy gathered in the city. Bergamo, designated City of Folklore in 2023 by FITP – the Italian Federation of Folk Traditions, welcomed among others the national FITP president, Gerardo Bonifati, from Calabria. Around forty participants attended and will remain in Bergamo throughout the weekend, taking part in the traditional Mid-Lent Festival organized by the Ducato di Piazza Pontida, one of the most significant folkloric events in the area.
The assembly proceedings were opened by Giovanni Malanchini, Regional Councillor of Lombardy and President of the Special Commission on Autonomy and Reorganization of Local Authorities, as well as a member of the European Committee of the Regions. In his speech, he highlighted a major milestone recently achieved by the Lombardy Region: the approval of Regional Law No. 5 of 2025 for the protection, promotion, and support of marching bands, fanfares, choirs, and folk groups across Lombardy. Malanchini concluded by suggesting the possibility of bringing folklore to the European Council on the occasion of significant celebrations.
Regional Councillor Davide Casati also spoke, reaffirming the importance of the new legislation and announcing that he has recently submitted a request to extend the law to include dialect theatre companies.
Outgoing president Fabrizio Cattaneo, from Bergamo, opened his remarks by recalling that his presidency has spanned three terms and emphasizing the desirability of “a generational renewal capable of carrying forward the enhancement of our cultural heritage into the future.” To ensure a smooth transition and support the formation of the next national executive board, Cattaneo expressed his willingness to serve another term as president of IOV Italy, provided that a mentoring process is initiated to identify and train the future national president.
Subsequently, with the support of Francesco Gatto, President of the Communications and Publications Commission, Cattaneo reviewed the most significant milestones of recent years. These included the organization of the IOV World Assembly and strengthened collaboration with several Italian federations, including UFI, FAFIT, FITP, and the Italian Flag-Throwers Federation. “Naturally,” Cattaneo added, “there are still goals to be achieved, such as creating a network that also involves Italian artisans, with the aim of promoting traditional craftsmanship and manual skills that continue to thrive in our territory.”
Following the approval of the financial statements and the completion of the formal assembly procedures, elections were held for the new executive board that will lead IOV Italy for the next four years.
At the conclusion of the vote, the assembly officially announced the new national executive board of IOV Italy, which will remain in office for the next four years.
Fabrizio Cattaneo was confirmed as President, while Luigi Scalas was appointed Honorary President. Marcello Perrone, Giancarlo Castagna, and Giampiero Cannas were elected Vice Presidents. Fabrizio Nicola was appointed Secretary and Treasurer, supported by Deputy Secretary and Deputy Treasurer Ida Boffelli.
Juan Luca Peta Carrasco, Enzo Felotti, Andrea Addolorato, Giuseppe Restivo, Maria Carmela Deidda, Laura Fumagalli, and Francesco Gatto were elected to the National Council. Mario Cataldo, Clara Torrez, and Eugenio Iannelli were appointed as alternate council members. The Board of Auditors will consist of Attilio Gasperotti, Alberto Faccini, and Mattia Massafra.
The new executive board will continue the work of promoting Italian folk traditions and strengthening IOV Italy’s presence within national and international networks dedicated to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
