Margherita d'Oro Award

The Award of the City of Salt

The International Margherita d'Oro Award is one of the most anticipated summer events in Margherita di Savoia, the famous 'City of Salt' overlooking the Adriatic Sea in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani (BAT), Puglia. Every year, the festival transforms one of the town's main squares into a grand open-air stage, where the presentation of awards to individuals who honor the region is intertwined with a top-tier musical performance.

A history spanning over half a century

The award was established in 1971 and, over the decades, has hosted prominent figures from Italian entertainment and sports on its stage. Historical hosts include Pippo Baudo and Giancarlo Giannini, while as early as 1973, the award was presented to the legendary Apulian sprinter Pietro Mennea. Following a long period of success, the event was relaunched by the municipal administration, which updated the format while preserving its original spirit: to showcase Apulians who distinguish themselves globally.

Who is awarded

Each year, the Margherita d'Oro celebrates Apulian excellence across numerous sectors: journalism, scientific research, medicine, art, entrepreneurship, and civic and sports engagement. Plaques are awarded to professionals and personalities who are either from or connected to Puglia and have excelled both in Italy and abroad, in a journey that combines community gratitude with the promotion of regional identity.

Ceremony and show

The award's format pairs the formal ceremony with a full-scale evening show: live music, comedy, and professional hosting animate the crowded square. Admission is free, and the evening attracts thousands of people every year, including residents, tourists, and institutional guests.

Margherita di Savoia, between salt and sea

The event is also an opportunity to discover Margherita di Savoia, known for its salt pans—among the largest in Europe—and its coastline, which has been awarded the Blue Flag. The award is part of the town's rich summer calendar, designed to enhance the territory and engage every generation.