Miss Marsica

A beauty pageant with a heart for charity

Miss Marsica is a young beauty pageant established in 2025 in Avezzano, the main hub of the Marsica, a vast area in the province of L'Aquila stretching around the Fucino plain. Conceived by photographer and talent scout Antonio Oddi and organized by the Arti Mestieri e Sapori association with the patronage of the Municipality of Avezzano, the competition brings a unique formula to the public square that goes beyond a simple runway show: alongside outer beauty, the contestants' artistic talent and, above all, their spirit of solidarity are celebrated.

Beauty, talent, and solidarity

The philosophy of the pageant is captured by the organizers' motto: "true beauty is found in the heart." The winner does not just receive a sash; she takes on a role as a testimonial, committing to bring serenity and cheer to nursing homes and places where a smile is needed, while supporting LILT (Italian League for the Fight Against Cancer) in their local prevention campaigns. This bond with volunteering and public health gives the pageant a distinct identity in the Abruzzo summer event scene.

The evening in Piazza Risorgimento

The heart of the event is the grand finale in Piazza Risorgimento, one of Avezzano's main outdoor living rooms. The event alternates contestant appearances with entertainment: live music, dance performances, and shows, leading up to the crowning of the winner and the awarding of special titles. The first edition, held in August 2025, drew over five hundred spectators and more than fifty contestants, confirming the public's interest in a format that combines entertainment with social values.

Avezzano and the Marsica region

Avezzano is the most populous city in the Marsica area and a key center in the Abruzzo hinterland. Rebuilt after the 1915 earthquake, it overlooks the ancient Fucino lake, which was drained in the 19th century. Its summer squares host numerous cultural and musical events during the warmer months, and Miss Marsica fits perfectly into this calendar as one of the highlights animating August evenings in the city center.

Useful information

The pageant is free to attend, and registration for contestants is free of charge. The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced: we recommend following the organizers' channels for updates on the program and how to participate.