Bulla Indulgentiarum Prize — Narrative and Artistic Competition

A cultural prize in the heart of Marsica

The Bulla Indulgentiarum Prize is a narrative and artistic competition held in Cerchio, a village of just over 1,500 inhabitants in the Marsica region, province of L'Aquila, nestled at the foot of Mount Sirente on the northeastern edge of the Fucino plain. The event was created to promote art, writing, and historical memory by involving students, artists, and culture lovers, restoring a sense of identity to the local community.

The origins: The Bulla of the year 1300

The prize takes its name from the Bulla Indulgentiarum, the ancient letter of indulgence sent to Cerchio in 1300, during the first Jubilee in history established by Pope Boniface VIII. This precious document, signed by sixteen bishops gathered in Rome, was destined for the church of San Bartolomeo and has been kept for centuries as a symbol of the town's identity. This same tradition also inspires the famous Bulla Indulgentiarum Historical Pageant, the costumed re-enactment that transports Cerchio back to the Middle Ages every year between late summer and early autumn. The competition represents its literary and artistic counterpart, aimed primarily at the younger generations.

How the competition works

The event is divided into sections dedicated to narrative and visual arts, with entries ranging from creative writing to figurative works inspired by the history and values of the region. The competition is promoted by the Universitas Circuli Cultural Association in collaboration with the Fontamara Institute and with the patronage of the Municipality of Cerchio. The jury, chaired by Prof. Maria Gigli, former head of the Fontamara Institute, includes teachers Maria Babbo, Annamaria Montagliani, and Gabriella Antidormi.

The award ceremony

The highlight is the award ceremony held at the Nicola Calipari Municipal Theatre in the historic center of Cerchio, attended by civil and religious authorities, school administrators, and families. The day alternates between readings of the entries, the presentation of awards to young talents, and moments of reflection on historical memory, in an atmosphere of celebration shared by the entire community.

An event for the region

• Competition open to students, artists, and culture enthusiasts
• Narrative and visual arts sections
• Ceremony at the Nicola Calipari Municipal Theatre
• Free admission to the awards
• Strong ties to the medieval tradition of the Bulla Indulgentiarum

With the Bulla Indulgentiarum Prize, Cerchio reaffirms its commitment to bridging culture, education, and the local area, offering young people in Marsica a concrete opportunity to express themselves and rediscover the history of inland Abruzzo through writing and art.