Ruggero da Fraine Art and Culture Award

The 'Ruggero da Fraine' Art and Culture Award

The 'Ruggero da Fraine' Art and Culture Award is a cultural event held every summer in Fraine, a small hillside town in the Alto Vastese area, in the province of Chieti (Abruzzo). Established around 2019 and reaching its sixth edition in 2025, the award is promoted by the Pro Loco of Fraine, chaired by Giacomo Di Pasquale. It is dedicated to the historical and cultural identity of the village, which appears in sources as early as the 12th century under the name Fragine.

Two evenings of books, debates, and awards

The event typically spans two evenings. The first is dedicated to meetings with authors: book presentations by local writers and poets, readings, and debates on pressing social issues. Past editions have covered topics such as gender-based violence, food intolerances, and the bond between Fraine and its diaspora communities, such as the historic Frainese Mutual Aid Society of Paterson, New Jersey.

The second evening is reserved for the awards ceremony, held at Largo Piano della Torre, near the Church of San Silvestro. The award is conferred upon individuals who have excelled in art, culture, faith, or social and civic commitment.

A prestigious hall of fame

Over the years, the 'Ruggero da Fraine' Award has recognized prominent figures in the Italian cultural landscape. Past recipients include poet Franco Arminio, writer and director Federico Moccia, and journalist Domenico Iannacone, as well as various writers, journalists, and church figures linked to the Abruzzo and Molise regions.

Fraine, a village in the Alto Vastese

Nestled among ancient forests, the Municipality of Fraine houses the sanctuary of Santa Maria Mater Domini and the church of San Silvestro, preserving ancient traditions linked to the pastoral civilization of the Vastese. The award is one of the most anticipated cultural moments of the Fraine summer and an opportunity to rediscover the identity of this corner of inland Abruzzo in an intimate and authentic setting. The final evening traditionally concludes with a buffet of local products, foods, and sweets.