Recognition to highlight the merits of Italians living in Spain, active in fields ranging from science, culture or technology to solidarity, gastronomy and finance: this is the meaning of the 'all'Italianità' awards, granted by the Com.It.Es of Madrid and handed out in their 18th edition this week, at the Círculo de Bellas Artes in the Spanish capital.
This year, there were 14 award-winners: Chantal Valeriani (Science), Antonella Mele (Cinema), Andrea Rossignoli (Social Activism), Mauro Speranza (Associations), Omar Caruso and Marco Ampolo (SMEs), Manfredi Bosco (Solidarity), Luigi Schirone (Technology), Alessandro Meli (Entertainment), Alessandro Cresta (Gastronomy), Piero Capponi (Sport), Vincenzo Vigorita (Medicine), Valerio Rocco (Culture), Chiara Quaia (Finance). Each of them, reads a note, was presented with Pumi pugliesi, a symbol of auspiciousness and protection, chosen as the official trophy in homage to the Apulia Region, the event's guest of honour. In addition, special awards were presented to Mauro Palmas, Luca Congedo, Fabio Turchetti, Sebastián Vita and Pedro Medina Morejon for the promotion of the docufilm 'Utopia' (a project managed by Pietro Mariani). Special tribute was also paid to Marcello Zeppi, President of the Montecatini Terme Film Festival.
The gala evening was opened with the interpretation of the Italian anthem by opera singer Xabier Pascual. Also present were the Italian Ambassador to Spain, Giuseppe Buccino Grimaldi, who emphasised the role of the Italian community as a cultural and social bridge between the two countries, and Consul General Spartaco Caldararo, who reiterated his commitment to the Italian community through the reopening of the Consulate General. The Puglia region was instead represented by the mayor of Bari, Vito Leccese, and the director of Puglia Promozione, Luca Scandale.
In conclusion, the president of the Com.It.Es of Madrid, Andrea Lazzari, expressed his gratitude to the award winners, guests and authorities, emphasising that the 'all'Italianità' awards are "a celebration of talent", but also "an invitation to reflect on the importance of the Italian community abroad".
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