"I Sogni di Rosemary" International Award

An award born to remember

The "I Sogni di Rosemary" International Award was established in 2021 in Montesano sulla Marcellana, a town in the province of Salerno, Campania, to cherish the memory of Rosemary Manilia, a local teenager who passed away at only sixteen. Her parents, Rosita Costa and master pastry chef Giuseppe Manilia, chose to transform their private grief into a public event dedicated to dreams, talent, and solidarity. The first ceremony was held on September 28, 2021, at the Church of the Sacred Eucharistic Heart in Montesano Scalo, featuring a letter from Pope Francis and the donation of proceeds from a book to the SOS Santobono association in Naples.

How the ceremony unfolds

Over the years, the event has moved to the Hotel Venezuela in Montesano Scalo and evolved into an afternoon awards ceremony hosted by Tg1 journalist Valentina Bisti. Each edition honors Italian figures who, according to the organizers' vision, have successfully cultivated their own dreams and inspired others: journalists, writers, TV hosts, pastry masters, and leaders in culture and research. The award has thus gained national stature while remaining deeply rooted in its home town.

The 2026 edition and the theme of travel

The sixth edition took place on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 4:30 PM at the Hotel Venezuela, with travel as the central theme: one of Rosemary's greatest passions, presented by the organizers as a symbol of desire, discovery, and vitality.

2026 Honorees

• Silvia Vaccarezza, Tg2 journalist and creator of "Sì Viaggiare"
• Gennaro Cosentino, journalist, writer, and editor-in-chief of Tgr Basilicata
• Elisa Isoardi, Rai 1 host
• Daniela Colucci, journalist for Tg2 Eat Parade
• Nunzia Schiano, Neapolitan actress, Lifetime Achievement Award
• Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister, Honorary Award accepted by Deputy Minister Maria Teresa Bellucci
• Francesca Ghidini, Rai correspondent, special mention
• Tiziana D'Angelo, director of the Paestum and Velia Archaeological Park, and Davide Malizia, master pastry chef: "Ambassadors of Italian Taste and Beauty" award

Art, taste, and the "Moment of the Heart"

The ceremony is more than just a plaque presentation; the program alternates between testimonials and live performances. In 2026, guests included Susy Sand Artist, with her sand drawings, and ice sculptor Amelio Mazzella. The "Moment of the Heart", dedicated to solidarity, was a highlight, featuring Emanuela Capuano from the Fondazione Sostenitori Ospedale Santobono ETS—a red thread connecting the award to the Neapolitan pediatric hospital since its inception. Students from the IPSEOA "A. Sacco" Institute of Sant'Arsenio, led by Professor Pasquale Masullo, assisted with guest reception and table service as part of their field training.

Previous editions

The fifth edition, held on March 23, 2025, honored individuals including writer Maurizio De Giovanni, Linea Verde host Peppone Calabrese, Tgr Campania editor-in-chief Oreste Lo Pomo, Gambero Rosso director Lorenzo Ruggiero, and pastry chefs Renato Ardovino, Alessandro Servida, and Tommaso Foglia. Past editions have also recognized master pastry chef Iginio Massari, underscoring the award's strong bond with the world of high-end Italian pastry, the profession of Rosemary's father.

Montesano sulla Marcellana and the Vallo di Diano

The municipality of Montesano sulla Marcellana is located in the Vallo di Diano, within the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park, in an area of southern Campania bordering Basilicata. The town is spread between the hilltop historic center and the valley floor hamlets, including Montesano Scalo, where the ceremony is held. The area is known for its thermal waters, proximity to the UNESCO-listed Certosa di San Lorenzo in Padula, and a mountain and pastoral cuisine that the award highlights each year through its culinary sections.