Voli di Versi Award
The Copertino cultural award inspired by the mystical flights of Saint Joseph
About Voli di Versi
An award born from the mystical flights of Saint Joseph of Copertino
The Voli di Versi Award is a cultural event held in Copertino, in the province of Lecce, in the heart of the Salento region. Conceived by the Azione Parallela Cultural Association, in collaboration with the Giubbe Verdi Salento and Edizioni Milella, the award takes its name and inspiration from the figure of Saint Joseph of Copertino, the Franciscan saint famous for his "mystical flights": an image that becomes a metaphor for spiritual elevation, overcoming one's limits, and poetic contemplation.
Who is awarded
Every year, a jury identifies a group of individuals and organizations that have distinguished themselves for their contribution to the Salento community and beyond. The awards span culture, scientific research, music, writing, the arts, professions, and social commitment, providing a vivid portrait of the territory's excellence. Recipients are presented with an artistic majolica, a piece created specifically by a local artist, making each award a small work of art.
An evening of poetry, music, and solidarity
The ceremony is held in the Bishop's Garden, next to the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Grottella, one of the places most dear to Copertino's devotion and linked directly to the life of Saint Joseph. The evening alternates the presentation of awards with moments of poetry—featuring readings of verses by emerging local authors—and musical interludes, in an intimate and engaging atmosphere. The dimension of solidarity is also central: the award has frequently combined the celebration of culture with charitable initiatives to support local individuals and families.
Copertino and Salento
Hosting the award in Copertino, a city in the Province of Lecce known for its imposing Angevin-Aragonese castle and the cult of Saint Joseph, anchors the event in a strong Salento identity, rooted in history, spirituality, and a love for the written word. Under the patronage of institutions such as the Province of Lecce, the Municipality of Copertino, the University of Salento, and the Castromediano Museum, Voli di Versi has established itself in just a few editions as one of the most heartfelt cultural events of the Salento summer, capable of uniting reflection, community, and beauty.
Voli di Versi — edition 2026
The fourth edition of the Voli di Versi Award took place on Saturday, June 21, 2026, starting at 8:00 PM, in the Bishop's Garden, next to the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Grottella in Copertino (LE). The event, promoted by the Azione Parallela Cultural Association with the Giubbe Verdi Salento and Edizioni Milella, was held under the patronage of, among others, the Province of Lecce, the Presidency of the Regional Council of Puglia, the Municipality of Copertino, the University of Salento, the Lecce Chamber of Commerce, and the Castromediano Museum.
Introduced by Prof. Carlo Alberto Augieri and hosted by Maria Antonietta Vacca and Ivan Raganato, the evening honored nine individuals and organizations that have distinguished themselves in the fields of culture, research, music, writing, and professional life. Recipients were presented with a majolica featuring the design "The Wings of the Heart" by artist Enrico Muscetra. The cultural dimension was joined by a spirit of solidarity, with a fundraiser to support Federica, a young woman suffering from spinal muscular atrophy.
Programme Voli di Versi 2026
Saturday, June 21, 2026 — 8:00 PM, Bishop's Garden
Introduction: Prof. Carlo Alberto Augieri
Hosts: Maria Antonietta Vacca and Ivan Raganato
The nine winners
- Monica Maggioni — journalist
- Antonio Castrignanò — musician
- Samuele Carrino — actor
- Antonio Errico — writer
- Beatrice Stasi — Pro-Rector of the University of Salento
- Giuseppe Gigli — researcher
- Stella Falzone — Director of the National Archaeological Museum of Taranto (MArTA)
- Lorenzo Zecca — President of the Bcc of Leverano
- Cantori di Ippocrate Choir
Recipients were presented with a majolica featuring the design "The Wings of the Heart" by artist Enrico Muscetra. The evening also hosted a charity fundraiser for Federica, a young woman suffering from spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
Highlights Voli di Versi 2026
Prices Voli di Versi 2026
Practical information — Voli di Versi
Location
The ceremony takes place in the Bishop's Garden, at the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Grottella, in Copertino (LE), in the Salento region.
How to get there
Copertino can be reached by car from the Lecce–Gallipoli expressway (Copertino exit) and is served by the Ferrovie del Sud Est railway line (Lecce–Gallipoli). The nearest airports are Brindisi (approx. 60 km) and Bari.
Admission
The awards ceremony is free to attend. In some editions, it has been combined with a charity fundraiser.
When
The award is held in the summer; dates vary from year to year (late August in 2025, June in 2026).
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Where does it take place — Voli di Versi
Giardino del Vescovo — Santuario della Madonna della Grottella
Giardino del Vescovo, Santuario della Madonna della Grottella, 73043 Copertino