Guiglia Smiles – Festival of Good Humor

A festival that makes the Modenese Apennines smile

Guiglia Smiles – Festival of Good Humor is a national literary competition entirely dedicated to humor and brilliant writing. It takes place in Guiglia, a small village nicknamed the "balcony of Emilia" for its panoramic position at about 500 meters above sea level, in the province of Modena, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna. The event was born from the idea of bringing a celebration of lightness, comedy, and the pleasure of storytelling to the town, in a time when smiling is more necessary than ever.

Three competitions to laugh with words

The festival is divided into three distinct literary sections, all in Italian and open to participants of all backgrounds aged thirteen and over:

• "Pink-hued mystery" stories: humorous stories that intertwine crimes, investigations, and detectives, told with lightness, irony, and a sense of humor;
• Funny theatrical texts: short comedic plays designed for the stage;
• "Brilliant" free-form stories: narratives on any theme that can span the most diverse genres — historical, autobiographical, fantasy, science fiction, surreal, romantic — as long as they are witty and capable of eliciting a smile.

The awards evening at the Castle

The highlight is the awards ceremony, held in mid-summer in the charming courtyard of Guiglia Castle. The evening combines culture and conviviality: a guided tour of the castle, a book presentation, and a dinner in the courtyard, which winners can attend for free along with a guest. The selected stories are brought to life and presented to the public, while a popular jury composed of those present helps determine the final rankings.

In memory of Franco Bortolani

The festival is dedicated to the memory of Franco Bortolani, a politician and deputy deeply connected to Guiglia, its land, and its people. The event celebrates his spirit through culture, participation, and good humor.

An event for the village

Promoted by the Tennis Club Guiglia with the association Poli Guiglia, the competition involves writers from all over Italy and enhances the heritage of the village and its castle. Non-resident finalists are provided with accommodation, meals, and reimbursement of expenses, demonstrating the hospitality that characterizes this community in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.