Premio Cales

The return of a Calvi Risorta icon

The Premio Cales is one of the most cherished traditions in the collective memory of Calvi Risorta, a town in the Alto Casertano area of the Caserta province, Campania. Established about thirty years ago, the award remained dormant for sixteen years before being brought back to life in 2026 by the young members of the Free Cales cultural association. A group of local youths sought to reclaim a legacy that today's adolescents had never known, but which previous generations remember with great affection, transforming memory into a project for the future.

The six award categories

The Premio Cales presents its awards across six categories, designed to celebrate those who contribute to the growth of the community through their commitment:

• Legality and social commitment
• Education
• History, culture, and literature
• Sports
• Art, music, and entertainment
• Territorial development

The stated goal is to promote active citizenship among the youth and restore focus to the town's identity and heritage.

A bond with ancient Cales

The award's name pays homage to the ancient city of Cales, an important Roman settlement whose archaeological site is one of the treasures of the Alto Casertano. Through this event, Calvi Risorta brings its thousand-year history back to the forefront, linking the recognition of contemporary excellence to the deep roots of the territory.

Within the Pizzonta Festival

The ceremony takes place in the San Nicola district, as part of the traditional Pizzonta Festival, the gastronomic feast that enlivens Calvi Risorta at the end of June. In this way, the cultural significance of the award intertwines with the popular conviviality of the festival, offering the community and visitors evenings that combine memory, taste, and live entertainment.