Rototom Sun Splash Europe stands as a major reggae festival organized by Italians Philip Giunta, with annual events since 2010 in Castellón. Over the years it has drawn notable figures from Italy to discuss human rights and related political topics. In its recent editions, guests have included prominent voices associated with transalpine circles who participate in panel discussions on international affairs and human rights. In 2015, following the annexation of Crimea, the event invited a veteran journalist and politician to provide context on the conflict between Russia and the West. The figure, who had a long career in journalism and politics, later passed away in 2020. He authored works such as Putinophobia and was connected with nationalist circles close to the Kremlin. This year the speaker roster features Alessandro di Battista, a former deputy of the Five Star Movement, who has been active in international discussions and has traveled publicly to Moscow. The festival also includes connections to the United Russia party, Putin’s political home, and has featured trips tied to the Eurasian landscape before and after the Ukraine crisis. The festival’s leaders position Rototom as a platform for dialogue, supported by collaboration with regional authorities in Castellón and the Valencian regional government.
In response to questions, the festival’s communications team emphasized that Rototom aims to be open to diverse opinions in the discussion arena. They described this approach as a guiding principle of their social forum, noting that the 2015 appearance was intended to address Europe and Islamophobia. They added that Di Battista would participate in upcoming discussions and that the event would extend room for debates on freedom of expression and human rights at a table dedicated to Assange and related topics.
Giulietto Chiesa, a former member of the Italian Communist Party and a correspondent for Italian publications, participated in 2015 with a session titled Ukraine, Europe at war. Juan Carlos Monedero, recognized as a founder of Podemos, also took part as moderator. Oleg Yasińskya, a Ukrainian journalist living in Russia, supported certain Kremlin narratives around Crimea. He argued that there was no Russian invasion and defended the legitimacy of the Crimean referendum, framing it as a right to self-determination, while casting doubts on Western interpretations of the event. These positions reflect a broader debate surrounding the annexation and its reception among different countries at the United Nations.
Chiesa is widely seen in Italy as an advocate for Putin’s policies and has appeared in media discussing the Kremlin’s perspective. He has supported Russia-themed media initiatives and has been involved with outlets connected to Russia’s information sphere. His involvement with international audiences through online channels has included coverage that aligns with Kremlin narratives about the conflict in Ukraine. At Rototom, he was connected with a network of supporters who have engaged in conversations about the war and its complexities. The organization’s leadership has highlighted that these guests were invited because they contribute to a broad, open discussion and long-standing dialogue with diverse viewpoints.
Giunta, the festival organizer, has maintained a close relationship with several controversial figures and has publicly shared posts reflecting his views on international events. The festival’s leadership has stressed that guests who generate debate and offer different angles are part of a deliberate strategy to broaden the conversation rather than to endorse any single stance. The event’s history of inviting figures who sympathize with various political currents underscores Rototom’s goal of fostering dialogue across political divides and sharing perspectives on the Ukrainian crisis.
Former deputy Alessandro di Battista, who was associated with the Five Star Movement, has also attracted attention for his statements on Russia and Ukraine. He has publicly praised aspects of Russia’s political stance and has participated in delegations that included visits to Crimea and encounters with Russian officials. His public remarks have included calls for policy adjustments and raised questions about sanctions. He has hosted interviews on digital platforms with substantial audiences, engaging in discussions about the war and the broader geopolitical landscape. Some conversations have touched on topics such as regional conflicts and the roles of different governments in shaping public opinion.
Rototom has been a beneficiary of public funding directed toward arts and cultural events. Official records show grants to support cultural programming and promotion, with allocations reflecting the festival’s role in the regional cultural calendar. The festival continues to attract attention for its blend of music, dialogue, and international perspectives, while also inviting scrutiny over the political associations of some guests and the potential implications for its public image.
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Alessandro di Battista, younger than Chiesa, emerged as a leading voice within the M5S during its early days. He has publicly referenced Russia in a positive light on occasion, articulating a belief in a strong Russia as part of global stability. His activities have included participation in delegations that visited Moscow and met with Russian officials. He has also used social media to share views on Russia and Crimea, occasionally touching on sanctions and diplomatic policy. His public statements, along with those of other figures associated with Rototom, have sparked discussions about the balance between free expression and the potential influence of foreign political narratives in European events. Reports indicate that Di Battista has hosted online discussions and interviews, broadening the reach of his viewpoints beyond traditional media.
Rototom is sustained by wide support from the public and receives funding from cultural and governmental sources. Recent records indicate financial awards aimed at promoting music and cultural events, reflecting the festival’s importance within the regional cultural ecosystem. The ongoing discourse around the event highlights the tension between fostering open conversation and navigating the political sensitivities that accompany international conflicts. The festival’s leadership continues to defend its role as a venue for dialogue while acknowledging the complexities of hosting guests with controversial viewpoints. The result is a forum where music, ideas, and politics intersect in a way that invites spectators to consider multiple sides of a complex world.