Roddi Prize — Poetry Competition
The Langhe poetry competition in Italian, Piedmontese, and minority languages
About Roddi Prize
The Roddi Prize: Poetry in the Heart of the Langhe
The Roddi Prize is a literary poetry competition organized by the Premio Roddi Cultural Association in the small town of Roddi, in the province of Cuneo, nestled in the UNESCO-listed Langhe region of Piedmont. Founded in 1996, it has become one of the most long-standing and well-attended poetry contests in the region: the 2025 edition attracted 640 entries from across Italy, confirming a growing interest year after year.
A Competition That Speaks Every Language of Poetry
The strength of the Roddi Prize lies in its ability to embrace poetry in all its forms and for all ages. The competition categories welcome:
- children and students, from kindergarten through high school;
- adults writing in Italian;
- poets expressing themselves in Piedmontese and the region's minority languages;
- collective school projects, which have their own dedicated sections.
All works must be original and previously unpublished; for texts in local languages, an Italian translation is required. All selected poems are featured in the official Prize anthology, which preserves the legacy of this "Village of Poetry" with every edition.
The Ceremony at the Castle of Roddi
The highlight is the awards ceremony, traditionally held in the evocative setting of the courtyard of the Castle of Roddi, a medieval fortress overlooking the Langhe village. It is a celebration open to all, with free admission, where the winners of the various categories are announced and poetry takes center stage on a late summer afternoon. For the 31st edition, the event is scheduled for Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 4:30 PM.
Thirty Years of Words
Since its inception in 1996, the Roddi Prize has spanned over three decades of history, becoming a landmark for poetry enthusiasts in Piedmont and beyond. Participation in the competition is free, and the jury, chaired by Professor Valter Boggione, a lecturer in Italian Literature at the University of Turin, carefully evaluates the works each year, recognizing and rewarding the most deserving texts. Participating in the Roddi Prize means becoming part of a community that uses the poetic word to bring life and voice to its territory.
Roddi Prize — edition 2026
The 31st edition of the Roddi Prize is divided into numerous sections, designed to give space to every age and every language of poetry. Works, which must be original and never before awarded, can be submitted for free via the official website by May 10, 2026; for texts in Piedmontese and minority languages, an Italian translation is required. The jury, chaired by Professor Valter Boggione (University of Turin), then selects the winning, recognized, and awarded works, which are compiled into the official anthology. The awards ceremony concludes the edition on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 4:30 PM in the courtyard of the Castle of Roddi, in the heart of the Langhe.
Programme Roddi Prize 2026
The awards ceremony for the 31st edition takes place on Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 4:30 PM, in the courtyard of the Castle of Roddi (free admission).
2026 Competition Sections
- Roddi Prize — poetry in Italian for adults (prizes of 300, 250, and 200 euros);
- Roddi Prize — poetry in Piedmontese and minority languages (first prize 300 euros);
- Alba Beccaria Prize — section for students from primary to high school (prizes from 150 to 300 euros);
- Gianni Rodari Prize — collective works by kindergarten classes (prize 300 euros);
- Collective Work Prize — group works from primary and middle schools (prizes from 200 to 300 euros).
The association has announced a surprise event dedicated to all children in attendance. The complete list of winners is published on the official website before the ceremony; winning poets are contacted in advance using the details provided during registration.
Highlights Roddi Prize 2026
Announcement of winners in the courtyard of the Castle of Roddi, prizes for Italian, Piedmontese, and minority language sections, dedicated school sections, and a surprise event for children.
Prices Roddi Prize 2026
Practical information — Roddi Prize
Where and When
The awards ceremony for the 31st edition will take place on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 4:30 PM in the courtyard of the Castle of Roddi (CN), in the Langhe. Admission is free.
How to Get There
Roddi is located just a few kilometers from Alba, in the province of Cuneo. By car, it can be reached via the A33 Asti-Cuneo motorway (Alba exit) or the provincial road connecting Alba to Bra. The nearest train station is in Alba, which has excellent connections to Turin.
Registration and Contact
Participation in the competition is free and must be done exclusively through the official website www.premioroddi.com. The deadline for submitting entries is May 10, 2026. For information: Associazione Culturale Premio Roddi, Via Crosetti 13, 12060 Roddi (CN), email [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Roddi Prize
Castello di Roddi
Via Crosetti 13, 12060 Roddi