Marineo International Poetry Prize

A poetry competition spanning half a century

The Marineo International Poetry Prize is one of the most deeply rooted and prestigious literary events in Sicily. Promoted by the Catholic Cultural Circle of Marineo, the competition has been held for over fifty years in the town of Marineo, located in the hinterland of the Metropolitan City of Palermo. Throughout its long history, the prize has involved nearly ten thousand poets, establishing itself as a leading authority in the continuity and promotion of poetry in the Sicilian language.

Competition sections

The prize is divided into several sections that reflect its local and international vocation:

• Published poetry in Italian, reserved for published works;
• Unpublished poetry in Sicilian, the heart and identity of the competition;
• Published poetry in Sicilian;
• Special international section, which has awarded world-renowned writers, artists, and personalities over the years;
• "Sara Campanella" section, a 2026 addition dedicated to unpublished poetry in Italian on the theme of gender-based violence, in memory of the young Sicilian victim.

A prize with an international reach

Alongside poets, the prize has long celebrated prominent figures from the worlds of culture and entertainment. The special international section has honored writers, physicists, musicians, actors, and dancers of note, confirming the competition's reach beyond regional borders. The jury also awards recognitions such as the "Francesco Grisi" Plaque, in honor of the writer and literary critic.

Marineo and its cultural tradition

The awards ceremony is held in Marineo, a village in the province of Palermo dominated by the evocative Beccadelli-Bologna Castle and nestled in the hilly landscape of western Sicily. The early September event draws poets, enthusiasts, and scholars, transforming the small town into a landmark for the island's literary culture. The prize represents a precious opportunity to rediscover the richness of the Sicilian language and to foster a dialogue between local tradition and contemporary poetry.