27-30 May. Vegans and non-vegans alike can explore Rome and Italy's vegan scene at the festival L'Isola di Veg which takes place in the capital's EUR district from 27-30 May.

The four-day festival is being held for its second year in Rome, at the Parco del Turismo, following previous editions in Trevignano Romano on the shores of Lake Bracciano.

However do not expect this to be only a celebration of vegan food (Rome is becoming the Mediterranean capital of vegan food, in an attempt to overthrow Berlin as Europe's most vegan-friendly capital). Of course, delicious meals will be served at the IVegan shop stand (Rome's first all-vegan shop near the Valle Aurelia metro stop) and at the Ethnik Veg stand.

There will be dozens of stands selling arts and crafts, books, natural healing remedies, organic cosmetics, artisanal beers, organic wines and sustainable fashion. Several animal rights and cultural associations, as well as charities, will also have their own stands. 

The full programme, including conferences, live performances and film screenings, all in Italian, can be accessed on the event's website. Festival highlights include the screening of the award-winning documentary The Cowspiracy and a theatrical act with actress Daniela Poggi.

As in past editions, the event will also offer a wellness area with activities such as Kundalini yoga, meditation and Qi Gong. Entry is free, for more details see Facebook event page.

Jan Claus Di Blasio