The Week of the Italian Language in the World (SLIM) takes place every year during the third week of October. Organized by the Italian diplomatic and consular network and the Italian Cultural Institutes, in collaboration with our main partners in the promotion of the Italian language (MiC, MIM, MUR, CePeLL, the Government of the Swiss Confederation, the Accademia della Crusca, CGIE, the Italian Radio and Television Community, the Istituto dell’Enciclopedia Italiana Treccani, RAI Italia and the Società Dante Alighieri), the Week has become the most important worldwide event dedicated to the Italian language. Since its establishment in 2001, this annual event has received the High Patronage of the President of the Italian Republic.
Each week is dedicated to a different theme, which serves as a common thread for a rich programme of conferences, exhibitions and events.
The theme of the 26th edition (19–25 October 2026), “A Genius Language: Conceiving, Designing and Creating in Italian,” celebrates the ability of Italian to serve as a vehicle for creativity and innovation across a wide range of fields, including technology, science, engineering, design, fashion, gastronomy, literature and the arts. The aim is to highlight the connection between culture and economic growth, demonstrating how the Italian language contributes to shaping a dynamic and forward-looking image of Italy.
The new edition will open on 19 October with a concert by Maestro Guido Rimonda and the Soloists of the Camerata Ducale, accompanied by film screenings: “A Stradivarius in Cinema: A Journey Through Great Italian Film Music.”
For this event in Addis Ababa — which will showcase the most evocative and iconic scenes and soundtracks (by Ennio Morricone, Nino Rota, Nicola Piovani etc..) in the history of Italian cinema — The celebrated violinist Guido Rimonda will perform on the legendary 1721 Stradivarius “Le Noir.”