“The young are happy, because they have the ability to see beauty” – wrote Franz Kafka – the same beauty that, with their stories, encourages us to take part with the pilgrims of the new millennium.
The event is dedicated to the “under 25” section of: “Intanto parto. Racconti e parole in cammino”, the literary award for travel stories along the Via Francigena and other routes.
The awarding of these budding writers will take place at Ospitale San Lorenzo martire (an old convent) on Friday 17th May at 18:30 during the event: “Un Borgo da sfogliare” with the mayor of Pontremoli, Lucia Baracchini, present, as well as Massimo Tedeschi, EAVF President, Luca Betti, editor and creator of the award, Selin Sanli, journalist of eastern press and Valentina Zinzula, winner of the 2019 “over 25” category.
The young winners will also attend, as well as Alessandra Cotoloni, writer and candidate of the Strega award, who said: “In a world where reading is certainly not the main pastime of younger generations, getting youngsters to participate in a literary award is a brave decision. A brave decision to be proud of.“
“We feel very satisfied that the literary award which narrates the Francigena and pilgrimages will be awarded here in Pontremoli on the day of “Un Borgo da Sfogliare” – said Lucia Baracchini, mayor of Pontremoli – It’s a step in the right direction, rooting the territory as a hiking area of the Via Francigena on the one hand and on the other, a city of reading and literature. We decided to host the award in the Convento dei Cappuccini for their presence as a religious, cultural and human landmark both now and in the past. Thanks to Editore Betti and the region of Tuscany, we can award the book written by an under 25-year-old just a few hours after the Bancarellino award! For this we sincerely thank those who promoted the award and those who participated in it!“
The top 10 stories will be awarded with publication from Betti Editrice and the winner will also receive an iron sculpture in the shape of a sandal, created by artisan, Fabio Zacchei.
This is the first edition where a section has been dedicated to youngsters, probably more tied to stories on social networks that real stories, used to communicating in less than 160 characters, but with lots to say and share.
The award is organised by Betti publishing company, in collaboration with the European Association of Via Francigena Ways (EAVF) and the region of Tuscany and has been realised thanks to the main municipalities of the Via Francigena in Tuscany (Pontremoli, Lucca, Fucecchio, Siena), representing all 39 municipalities. Others involved include: the Institute of Italian Culture in Cracovia, Lion’s Club, the Tuscan Association of Via Francigena Ways, among other entities. Media partner: “Radio Francigena. La voce dei cammini”; technical sponsor: Fagnani di Montalcino.
