On the occasion of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World 2026, the Italian Cultural Institute, in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy and the Italian Trade Agency in Nairobi, invites the public to Canticle of Nature – Poetry, Nourishment, Terroirs and Common Roots, an experience bringing together poetry, music and gastronomy to celebrate the deep connection between nature, culture and community.
Inspired by St Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures, on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of his death, the event offers an opportunity to reflect on living heritage and the relationship between human beings and the natural world, bringing Italian and Kenyan traditions into dialogue.
Freddie del Curatolo and actress Wakio Mzenge will guide the audience through dramatic readings, in Italian and English, inspired by the Franciscan poem. This will be followed by poet Kazungu Wa Hawerisa, who will recite a selection of his poems in Giriama, exploring nature and the relationship between people and their land. The readings will be accompanied by the music of the Enkare String Qartet, in an artistic journey that brings words and music together.
The experience will conclude with a tasting inspired by rustic, natural Italian cuisine, featuring dishes that celebrate Italian culinary traditions and their close connection to local ingredients and the land. It will be an opportunity to discover shared flavours, knowledge and roots, celebrating food as an expression of cultural identity and a heritage to be passed down through generations.
Event Information
- Date: Sunday, 8 November 2026
- Time: From 6:00 PM
- Venue: Ikigai, Peponi Road, Nairobi
Admission is free, but registration is required. Please register using the following link: https://forms.gle/dKcpwTjWRe5fu86M6