Celebrating the Literary Excellence

This year, the competition paid homage to Danilo Dolci, an Italian sociologist, poet, educator, and fervent nonviolence activist. Celebrated as the “Gandhi of Sicily” or “the Italian Gandhi”

A Night of Honor at Palace Medici Riccardi

On June 27, 2025, the historic Luca Giordano Hall at Palace Medici Riccardi in Florence, Italy, became a luminous stage for the celebration of literary and cultural excellence. The occasion was the award ceremony marking the second edition of the prestigious G. Belli – F. Lami International Excellence Competition, hosted by the centuries-old Tiberina Academy.

A Dedication to Danilo Dolci

This year, the competition paid homage to Danilo Dolci (June 28, 1924 – December 30, 1997), an Italian sociologist, poet, educator, and fervent nonviolence activist. Celebrated as the “Gandhi of Sicily” or “the Italian Gandhi,” Dolci’s legacy honored his lifelong dedication to social justice and peace. His centenary served as the thematic backdrop, inspiring many artists, poets, writers, and essayists present at the event.

Recognizing Artistic Excellence

Throughout the evening, numerous distinguished poets, writers, and artists received awards for their outstanding contributions to literature and culture. The winners of the poetry contest, in particular, were duly acknowledged with plaques, certificates for publication with G.C. L. Edizioni, and inclusion in Wikipoesia, an esteemed platform dedicated to poets’ works.

Emphasis on Youth and Hope

Significantly, the event also shone a spotlight on young participants, emphasizing the vital role of the youth in promoting peace through the power of words and poetry. The gathering reflected a collective belief in the enduring hope for harmony amid global turmoil.

New Partnerships and Special Honors

A landmark moment was the formalization of a partnership between the Tiberina Academy and Guglielmo Marconi University, with the presence of Dr. Marco Belli, the General Director. To honor exceptional contributions beyond the competition, the jury conferred special prizes on three noteworthy books: Pathological Narcissism, In the Horizon of Time, and A Casanova’s Life – Ostuni. Additionally, special jury prizes and recognitions acknowledged the efforts of poets, writers, and distinguished guests who enriched the event’s cultural fabric.

Celebrating Cultural Luminaries

The evening’s guest list included prominent figures such as Damiana Natali, an accomplished orchestra conductor, symphonist, composer, and pianist, who shared her insights on the power of music and poetry. Film actor Patrizio Pelizzi, author of The Essence of a Dreamer published by Casa Editrice 96 Rue de-La-Fontaine Edizioni, also graced the occasion. Pelizzi recited poetic verses, reminding attendees of poetry’s timeless significance.

An Evening of Reflection and Hope

Concluding on a warm note, the event fostered heartfelt exchanges among guests, contestants, and officials. The celebration underscored the enduring strength of culture, literature, and the arts as catalysts for peace and understanding, reaffirming the Tiberina Academy’s esteemed role in promoting excellence and dialogue through literary achievement.

Cav. Dr. Franco Antonio Pinardi is the Honorary President of the Award and President of the Secular Tiberina Academy while Dr. Antonietta Micali is the President of the Award, Director of the Literature Department and Director of the Chair of Women.

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Coordinated by Angela Kosta, journalist, poet, essayist, publisher, literary critic, editor, translator, promoter