Award Ceremony of the 10th 'Jacopo Durandi' Literary Competition

A literary competition in the heart of Piedmont

The City of Santhià 'Jacopo Durandi' Literary Competition is one of the most cherished cultural events in the town of Santhià, located in the Province of Vercelli, in the heart of Piedmont. Launched in 2017, the competition reaches a milestone in 2026 with its tenth edition: ten years of writing, poetry, and storytelling that have turned this town on the Vercelli plains into a small hub for literature lovers. The award ceremony takes place in the evocative garden of the Alessandro Barbaglia Civic Library and serves as the grand finale of the Dialoghi di Primavera (Spring Dialogues) festival.

Who was Jacopo Durandi

The competition is dedicated to Jacopo Durandi, an illustrious citizen born in Santhià on July 25, 1739. A poet, librettist, historian, and magistrate, he was a prominent figure in 18th-century Piedmontese culture. Naming the award after him connects the event to the region's literary roots and promotes Santhià as a destination for cultural tourism.

Three categories open to all

The competition is divided into three categories spanning various genres of creative writing:

• Category A — Poetry
• Category B — Fiction
• Category C — Short Story / Fairy Tale, also open to younger writers

Each author may enter all categories with a maximum of two works per section. Entries arrive from various Italian regions and abroad, a sign of a festival that has successfully grown and gained recognition well beyond the borders of the Province of Vercelli.

The award ceremony

The final day is more than just a prize-giving; it is a true cultural event open to the public, featuring entertainment, music, and moments of literary reflection. The jury, composed of teachers, translators, cultural promoters, and figures from the world of writing, takes the stage to award the winners of each category. Admission is free, and the event is designed to engage enthusiasts, families, and curious visitors in an afternoon dedicated to words and Piedmontese culture.