National and International Poetry Competition "Salisano in Poesia"

A poetry competition in the heart of Bassa Sabina

Salisano is a small village of just over 400 inhabitants perched on the hills of Bassa Sabina, in the province of Rieti, Lazio. Since 2025, this quiet town has chosen to link its name to the poetic word with the National and International Poetry Competition "Salisano in Poesia", a literary award promoted by the Municipality of Salisano — strongly supported by Mayor Gisella Petrocchi — with the contribution of the Lazio Region and the Integrated Cultural Services System of Bassa Sabina (SICBAS).

The origins: the first edition in 2025

The first edition, launched in the spring of 2025, exceeded all expectations for a debut competition: 37 poets from all over Italy submitted a total of 82 poems. The awards ceremony took place on August 9, 2025, in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, with the public reading of the winning verses before the community and summer visitors. The set theme of the first edition, inspired by Teilhard de Chardin, invited reflection on the idea that "we are spiritual beings living a human experience".

The three competition categories

The award is divided into three categories, designed to accommodate different sensibilities and languages:

• Category A — Italian language poetry with a set theme: every year the jury proposes a theme to address;
• Category B — Italian language poetry with a free theme: space open to any inspiration;
• Category C — Dialect poetry: compositions in the dialects of all Italian regions, accompanied by an Italian translation.

The top three finishers in each category are awarded a plaque and a scroll with the jury's motivation; special prizes, honorable mentions, and participation diplomas are also provided. Awarded poets have the opportunity to recite their works publicly during the final ceremony.

The 2026 edition: eighty years of the Republic

The second edition looks to a major civil anniversary: the set theme category is dedicated to the Italian Republic (1946-2026), eighty years after its birth. Works can be submitted by July 27, 2026, to the Municipality's dedicated email address or delivered directly to the town hall. The awards ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, August 22, 2026, while the names of the jurors — prominent figures from the world of culture — will be announced before the final evening.

Salisano, a village of poetry and painting

The poetry competition is the heart of a Salisano August dedicated to the arts: in 2026, the summer calendar also includes the second edition of the "Salisano in Pittura" extemporaneous painting competition, scheduled for August 8. For those visiting the Rieti Sabina area, the awards ceremony in the square is an authentic opportunity to discover a secluded village in Lazio, amidst medieval alleys, olive groves, and the hilly landscape that separates the Tiber valley from the Sabine Mountains.