Trapani – The first Mediterranean Network of Coral Cities has been officially established. The signing took place at the Fardelliana Library during the international roundtable “Coral Routes – Dialogue Between Mediterranean Cultures,” the closing event of the second edition of Il Corallo anima di Trapani.
The cities of Trapani, Sciacca, Torre del Greco, Alghero, Tabarka in Tunisia, and Seville signed a memorandum of understanding to promote and protect the art of coral craftsmanship.
“Coral has always symbolized sharing, friendship, and Mediterranean cultural identity,” said Trapani’s Mayor Giacomo Tranchida. “What we are doing has a political significance, especially given current events in Europe. It’s a powerful message that brings together the Mediterranean, north and south, and now also the west.”
Rosalia d’Alì, Trapani’s Culture Councillor, emphasized that the pact is not just a forum for discussion but a concrete commitment. Alghero’s Councillor Ornella Piras highlighted the importance of education, noting that the initiative aims to preserve tradition while fostering innovation: “We want people to see not just what we have done, but how we continue to evolve.”
Torre del Greco Mayor Luigi Mennella stressed the need to pass this maritime art to younger generations and suggested organizing a coral exhibition during the 2027 America’s Cup, offering an international showcase for the craft’s excellence. From Spain, Councillor Patricia del Pozo Fernández conveyed greetings from the President of the Andalusian Government, praising the cultural, economic, and identity ties that unite the cities. Tunisian Consul Mohamed Ali Mahjoub underscored the environmental dimension, highlighting the threats to coral and marine ecosystems and the need for cooperative solutions.
Anna Maria Parrinello, director of the Regional Museum “Agostino Pepoli,” described the agreement as “a starting point for intercultural dialogue centered on a tradition preserved in the museum’s rich collection.”