Città delle Tagghjate Award

The Città delle Tagghjate Award

The Città delle Tagghjate Award is a cultural event through which the municipality of San Giorgio Ionico, in the province of Taranto, pays tribute to individuals who have distinguished themselves in their professional and institutional fields, contributing to the region's growth and promoting the name of Puglia. Launched in 2024 with a "zero edition," the award has quickly established itself as one of the most cherished civic events for the local community, blending recognition of excellence with entertainment and a strong sense of belonging.

The Tagghjate: A Place of Identity

The symbolic and physical heart of the award is the Parco delle Tagghjate, an urban space carved out of ancient tuff quarries where nature has gradually reclaimed the land. The "tagghjate"—the quarries excavated into the local stone—represent the unique landscape and memory of San Giorgio Ionico, lending their name to both the park and the award. Fittingly, the recognition presented to the winners is a stone artifact that symbolically recalls the tagghjate, as part of a carefully curated visual identity project.

A Gala Evening of Awards and Music

The ceremony takes place as an open-air gala, typically held in September during the evening, hosted by well-known television personalities and accompanied by live musical ensembles. Past guests have included Rai presenter Beppe Convertini, the Orchestra della Magna Grecia, and the Controrchestra Big Band. The award recipients range from the worlds of pastoral care to art, administration, medicine, law, finance, and sports, creating a choral portrait of Apulian excellence.

San Giorgio Ionico, "City of the Tagghjate"

The bond between the town and its quarries was officially consecrated during the event: in 2025, the decree from the President of the Republic was presented, officially conferring the title of City upon San Giorgio Ionico—a recognition that strengthens the identity of the town in the Taranto area and highlights its history and traditions. The ceremony has thus become a moment of collective pride for the entire community.

An Event for the Region

Organized by the municipal administration, the Città delle Tagghjate Award combines the celebration of individuals with the promotion of the natural and cultural heritage of San Giorgio Ionico and Puglia. It is a free event open to the public, designed to bring together institutions, artists, and citizens in one of the most evocative settings in the Ionian territory.