Lampedus'Amore – Cristiana Matano International Journalism Award
The international journalism award that chronicles rights, beauty, and hospitality from the island of Lampedusa
About Lampedus'Amore
A journalism festival in the heart of the Mediterranean
Lampedus'Amore – Cristiana Matano International Journalism Award is the event that transforms Lampedusa, in the Pelagie archipelago in the province of Agrigento, into the capital of human rights journalism every summer. Founded in 2016 and organized by the Associazione Occhiblu ETS, chaired by Filippo Mulè, the award is dedicated to the memory of journalist Cristiana Matano and honors Italian and international reporters each year who have used their work to document migration, human rights, peace, and the beauty of the Mediterranean.
More than an award: a civic and cultural festival
Lampedus'Amore is not just an awards ceremony. It is a true festival that animates the island for several days with a packed calendar of events: conferences and debates on the role of the media, photography exhibitions, book presentations, theatrical performances, live storytelling, and concerts under the stars. The common thread remains the same: Lampedusa as a frontier land and a place of hospitality, a bridge between Europe and Africa.
The award is held under the patronage of the European Parliament, the Order of Journalists, the FNSI (National Federation of the Italian Press), the Ministry of Tourism, and the Sicilian Region, confirming the international prestige it has achieved in just a few years.
Award categories
The jury presents awards in several categories:
- Foreign Press, for international correspondents
- National Press (print, online, and agencies)
- National Press (television, radio, and web)
- Emerging Journalist (under 30)
In addition, special mentions are awarded to local excellence and to young students from the island's schools, who are also involved in journalistic training programs.
Lampedusa and Linosa, the stage
Events take place in the most evocative locations of the Municipality of Lampedusa and Linosa: the central Piazza Castello, the Historical Archive, open-air spaces overlooking the sea, and, in some editions, the sister island of Linosa, which hosts the opening night in a natural amphitheater. It is a unique setting in all of Sicily, where culture and civic engagement meet the beauty of the Pelagian landscape.
Lampedus'Amore — edition 2026
Lampedus'Amore 2026 — 11th edition
The eleventh edition of Lampedus'Amore is confirmed for Lampedusa from July 6 to 8, 2026, organized by the Associazione Occhiblu ETS. The detailed program, including the list of guests, award-winning journalists, and musical and theatrical events, will be presented during the press conference scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM, in the United Nations Hall of the Teatro Massimo in Palermo.
The detailed program will be announced starting June 23, 2026. As per tradition, the 2026 edition will offer a calendar of conferences on the role of the media, exhibitions, book presentations, performances, and the presentation of awards in the various categories (foreign press, national press, emerging journalist under 30). The summer event is also linked to a training preview with a journalism course for the island's students, scheduled for the spring.
Programme Lampedus'Amore 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be announced starting June 23, 2026, during the presentation conference at the Teatro Massimo in Palermo. The event dates are confirmed for July 6-8, 2026, in Lampedusa; guests, award winners, and musical and theatrical events will be communicated by the organizers.
Prices Lampedus'Amore 2026
Practical information — Lampedus'Amore
How to get there
Lampedusa can be reached by plane from the airports of Palermo and Catania (flights to Lampedusa Airport) or by sea via ferries and hydrofoils departing from Porto Empedocle (Agrigento). Festival events are held primarily within walking distance in the center of the island, around Piazza Castello.
Admission
Lampedus'Amore events are generally free and open to the public.
When
The festival is traditionally held in the first half of July. We recommend booking flights and accommodation well in advance, as the island is particularly crowded during the high season.
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Where does it take place — Lampedus'Amore
Piazza Castello
Piazza Castello, 92010 Lampedusa e Linosa