At the table, between flavors, history, and religion: Federico Carra and Marcello Masi talk about food beyond taste.

It tells where we come from, our traditions, our affiliations and even how we build relationships with others.

From the food precepts of the great religions to table rituals, from the symbolic value of certain foods to conviviality, up to new consumer behaviors: food, in its many cultural and social dimensions, will be the protagonist of the meeting "At the Same Table. Religions, Cultures and Ethics of Food" , scheduled for Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 5:30 pm at the Nocetum Center in Milan .

The panel will be held between Federico Carra , a writer and scholar of ancient texts, the history of religions, and food cultures, and Marcello Masi , a journalist, former director of TG2, and one of the television personalities most closely associated with food and wine promotion and the promotion of Italian regions. The conversation will be coordinated by television and radio host Laura Corigliano .

An event that starts with a seemingly simple question: what does what we eat say about us?

Behind every food, every habit, and every table-related ritual can lie centuries of history, religious traditions, social norms, and constructs of identity. From this perspective, Federico Carra will lead the audience on a journey through the meaning of food in different cultures and religions, highlighting how food has always been one of the tools through which communities define themselves.

From food tradition to the contemporary table

Starting from different but complementary perspectives—the historical-religious and the ethical-sociological— Federico Carra and Marcello Masi will address food as a cultural language, a symbol of identity, and a tool for connecting people and populations.

The conversation will focus on the role of food traditions in major religions, food as an element of identity and collective narrative, the symbolic meanings of eating together, and the table as a place for building bonds.

Particular attention will also be paid to contemporary changes in eating habits. In an increasingly fast-paced and individualized society, our relationship with shared meals is also changing: the times we cook, the places we eat, and the occasions for conviviality are changing.

Hence another question that will guide the discussion: what do our new eating habits tell us about contemporary society?

The pleasure of eating together

The table will therefore be presented not only as a place of taste, but as one of the oldest spaces of social interaction. Sharing food means building relationships, identifying with a community, and transmitting gestures and habits.

And it is precisely this dimension of conviviality that the meeting aims to bring back to the center: the meal as a moment of knowledge and dialogue between different cultures.

The comparison between Federico Carra's historical and religious perspective and Marcello Masi's experience in narrating food and wine and local areas will allow us to connect memory, gastronomic traditions, identities, and new eating styles.

Laura Corigliano will lead the dialogue, encouraging discussion between the speakers and audience participation.

Nocetum: from the earth to the table

The initiative is part of the cultural journey promoted by Nocetum to foster dialogue between knowledge, cultures, and traditions, valorizing food not only as nourishment but also as a social, educational, and relational experience.

Located in the Corvetto area, the Nocetum Center represents a bridge between the urban and rural dimensions and is housed in the historic Cascina Corte San Giacomo and the adjacent Church of Saints Philip and James, of early Christian origins.

With a thousand-square-meter garden and a one-hectare agricultural area, it allows you to explore the South Milan Agricultural Park, celebrating the biodiversity and culture of the area.

Committed to welcoming women and children in difficulty , the Center is a hub of educational, didactic and multicultural activities dedicated to community enrichment and social integration.

Nocetum's direct relationship with the land is also particularly consistent with the evening's theme: the produce from the fields is carefully cultivated, and the restaurant and catering service brings local flavors to the table, with a focus on sustainability.

At the end of the meeting, a themed aperitif open to participants will be planned, transforming the reflection on food into a concrete moment of sharing.

The protagonists

Federico Carra

A writer and scholar, Federico Carra has gained extensive professional experience as Director of Legal Affairs, handling corporate law for major multinationals. At the same time, he has developed in-depth research in the history of religions, classical culture, and philosophical thought.

Passionate about the ancient Orient, he studied Greek literature, Hebrew, and the rabbinic tradition, and also devoted himself to the analysis of historical and religious sources.

Carra is the author of the volume "The Stories of Mark, Luke, and Matthew," published by Santelli Editore and dedicated to the Synoptic Gospels, and the e-book "The First Day of Christianity," dedicated to the Shroud of Turin. He also contributes as an editor to the online magazine Stultifera Navis and is an invited speaker at public meetings and cultural initiatives dedicated to history, religion, and intercultural dialogue.

Marcello Masi

Marcello Masi is a professional journalist and joined RAI in 1987. After his experience at Giornale Radio Rai, in 1994 he joined TG2, where he was presenter, deputy director and subsequently director from 2011 to 2016 .

His professional career has focused on food and local areas. He was responsible for the historic food and wine column Eat Parade , created the program Alter Eco, and curated TG2 Dossier.

Over the years he has also created and hosted numerous programs dedicated to Italian regions, food and wine, and excellence, including Signori del vino, Linea Verde Life, Camper, In viaggio con Marcello, and La seconda vita - Il paradiso può attesa .

Laura Corigliano

Laura Corigliano is an author, freelance writer and television presenter – Mediaset, Rai, Videomusic and QVC – and a radio presenter, currently on air with “Very Personal Lovecast” on Radio Cecchetto .

Throughout her career, she has developed a particular focus on cultural issues—she writes, among others, for the Enciclopedia d'Arte Italiana—social and current affairs. Her experience in dissemination and leading public meetings allows her to facilitate dialogue between guests from diverse backgrounds, encouraging discussion and audience participation.

Information and reservations

"At the Same Table: Religions, Cultures, and Food Ethics"

Thursday, September 24, 2026 – 5:30 PM

Nocetum Center
Via San Dionigi 77 – Milan

Contribution: 22 euros per person

The proceeds will be entirely donated to the social activities carried out by Nocetum .

Booking by September 20, 2026

For information: info@fontmark.com
Tel. 347 9928075
Ref. Arianna Fontana