Don Tonino Bello National Prize for Peace and Solidarity
The Tortoreto award dedicated to the Bishop of Peace
About Don Tonino Bello Prize
A peace prize on the Tortoreto seafront
The Don Tonino Bello National Prize for Peace and Solidarity is one of the cultural events that kicks off the summer in Tortoreto, a seaside town in the province of Teramo, Abruzzo. Promoted by the Municipality of Tortoreto with the patronage of the Abruzzo Region and the collaboration of the ETS "Società Civile" association and numerous local entities, the event annually presents a series of awards to individuals, associations, and works that have distinguished themselves in promoting peace, solidarity, dialogue, and human rights.
The legacy of Don Tonino Bello
The prize is named after Don Tonino Bello (1935-1993), Bishop of Molfetta and president of Pax Christi Italy, remembered as the "Bishop of Peace" for his tireless commitment to the marginalized, the vulnerable, and nonviolence. Drawing on this moral legacy, the event addresses highly topical themes in each edition: human rights, integration, international cooperation, sustainable development, nonviolent conflict resolution, and the fight against organized crime.
The ceremony
The award ceremony takes place in the evening, around 9:00 PM, on the Tortoreto seafront, the heart of the town's summer life. Each edition brings together citizens, institutions, and visitors for a shared reflection on human values, alternating moments of testimony, dialogue, and performance. The awards span from the worlds of volunteering and non-profits to journalism, entertainment, and social activism.
A staple of the Tortoreto Summer
The Don Tonino Bello Prize effectively inaugurates the calendar of the "Estate Tortoretana," the rich program of events that enlivens the town from late spring to September, joining other historic appointments like the Tortoreto Culture Prize. In just a few years, it has become a defining moment for the community, capable of combining Tortoreto's tourist vocation—as the "Queen of Abruzzo tourism"—with high-profile cultural and civic offerings.
Why attend
- A free evening open to everyone on the seafront at the start of the summer season.
- Testimonies and guests from the worlds of social work, journalism, and entertainment.
- An opportunity to discover Tortoreto, between its award-winning beaches and the medieval village of Tortoreto Alto.
Don Tonino Bello Prize — edition 2026
The third edition of the Prize took place in Tortoreto on May 31 and June 1, 2026, starting at 9:00 PM on the seafront, under the theme "Daring for peace: spes contra spem." The evening, promoted by the Municipality with the patronage of the Abruzzo Region and the collaboration of the ETS "Società Civile," presented about fifteen awards.
Among the winners were the international group Gen Verde, Don Walter Insero, journalists like Enrico Bellavia and Nello Rega, the TV series "Imma Tataranni - Sostituto Procuratore," and associations such as FIDAS, ANFFAS, and the Italian Peace and Disarmament Network. Due to bad weather, part of the ceremony was moved to the Municipal Council Chamber.
Programme Don Tonino Bello Prize 2026
Highlights Don Tonino Bello Prize 2026
Prices Don Tonino Bello Prize 2026
Practical information — Don Tonino Bello Prize
How to get there
Tortoreto is located along the Adriatic coast of Teramo. By car: take the Val Vibrata exit on the A14 motorway, then follow the SS16 Adriatic state road. By train: the Alba Adriatica-Nereto-Controguerra station is the closest, just a few kilometers from the seafront. Nearest airport: Abruzzo (Pescara), about an hour away.
Where it takes place
The ceremony is held on the Tortoreto Lido seafront, generally in the Largo Carducci area. In case of bad weather, the event may be moved to an indoor venue (the Municipal Council Chamber).
Admission
Admission is free. Booking accommodation in advance is recommended, as it coincides with the start of the tourist season.
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Where does it take place — Don Tonino Bello Prize
Lungomare di Tortoreto