Gathering of Over 100,000 Individuals at West Coast 2025 Event
In the picturesque town of Finale Ligure, Italy, from June 25 to 29, 2025, the West Coast Meeting 2025 took place, a significant cultural event that drew over 102,000 total views and became one of the most anticipated gatherings of the Ligurian summer. Held at the historic Chiostri di Santa Caterina in Finalborgo, the event focused on the theme "What is not hell," inspired by Italo Calvino's phrase, inviting attendees to seek what is worth saving amid the complexities of modern times.
For five days, the West Coast Meeting brought together figures from culture, politics, education, and media for discussions, meetings, and reflections on topics including hope, future, work, community, and social challenges. Notable guests included Giorgio Vittadini, Pietro Sarubbi, Fausto Bertinotti, sociologist Mauro Magatti, union leader Marco Bentivogli, and long-standing volunteer Carlo Scrivano.
The event featured more than 30 live streams on platforms like carabelta.it, Facebook, YouTube, and ilsussidiario.net, extending its reach beyond local attendees. Alongside discussions, the meeting hosted two exhibitions: one showcasing Ligurian craftsmanship and agro-food excellence, and another on the historic Christmas Truce of 1914 during WWI. These exhibitions linked cultural reflection with local identity and economic production, highlighting regional traditions and skills.
The West Coast Meeting attracted more visitors compared to the previous year, with over 2,500 people attending in person. The event also boosted tourism in Finale Ligure, drawing both residents and visitors to the town. The Municipality of Finale Ligure co-organised the event for the second consecutive year, emphasising its importance as a major moment for community participation and cultural engagement that enriches the local tourism season.
Carlo Scrivano, a long-standing volunteer of the West Coast Meeting, noted that Finalborgo has become a much-awaited appointment. The format of the event does not propose debates but stories of authentic experiences, making it a unique and engaging event for all attendees.
The event's strong presence in major daily newspapers and extensive communication, including articles, ads, and interviews in major online newspapers in Liguria, Piedmont, and Lombardy, further contributed to its success. Online, over 100,000 users followed the events, and Massimo Recalcati's intervention had nearly 32,000 views on YouTube, with a total of nearly 14,000 views on the platform.
As the West Coast Meeting 2025 comes to a close, it leaves a lasting impact on Finale Ligure and its community, fostering a sense of hope, engagement, and cultural appreciation that will continue to resonate long after the event has ended.
The average number of views for the West Coast Meeting 2025 exceeded 102,000, showcasing its widespread popularity among participants and online viewers. Travelers seeking an enriching cultural experience could consider Finale Ligure's average lifestyle during the summer, particularly with the West Coast Meeting's focus on local identity, traditions, and economic production.
