by InTrieste
Deputy Mayor Serena Tonel graced the Bazlen Hall of Palazzo Gopcevich on March 25th to bestow the prestigious “Umberto Saba Poetry Prize” upon Antonella Anedda. Esteemed members of the Prize Jury including Claudio Grisancich (president), Franca Mancinelli, Antonio Riccardi, literary critic Roberto Galaverni, and the visionary director of Pordenononelegge, Gian Mario Villalta, were present at the ceremonious occasion.
In her address, Deputy Mayor Serena Tonel conveyed the warm regards of the Municipality of Trieste to the distinguished gathering, underscoring the growing significance of the “Umberto Saba Poetry Prize” within the cultural tapestry of the city. She effusively congratulated the deserving recipient, Antonella Anedda, while extending heartfelt gratitude to Jury President Claudio Grisancich for his esteemed stewardship.
Reflecting on the genesis of the “Umberto Saba Poetry Prize,” Deputy Mayor Serena Tonel paid homage to the visionary efforts aimed at positioning Trieste as a UNESCO Creative City of Literature. She fondly reminisced about former regional councilor Tiziana Gibelli’s pivotal role in coalescing the collaborative efforts between the Municipality of Trieste and the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region. With palpable pride, Tonel reaffirmed Trieste’s enduring legacy as a muse for literary expression, drawing inspiration from the indelible imprint of Umberto Saba, a luminary of twentieth-century poetry.
Echoing a sentiment of educational enrichment, Deputy Mayor Serena Tonel emphasized the intrinsic value of poetry in shaping the linguistic sensibilities of today’s youth. Against the backdrop of contemporary challenges compounded by communication deficits, she championed poetry as a beacon of deliberate expression, fostering a nuanced understanding of language. Tonel underscored the educational initiatives woven into the fabric of the “Umberto Saba Poetry Prize,” envisioning a transformative role for poetry in nurturing the intellectual growth of young minds.
In a poignant denouement, Deputy Mayor Serena Tonel underscored Trieste’s commitment to lifelong learning as exemplified by its inclusion in UNESCO’s network of “Learning Cities.” Through the auspices of the “Umberto Saba Poetry Prize,” Trieste stands resolute in its mission to democratize access to culture, enriching the lives of citizens across generations.
The ceremony culminated with a heartfelt video message from Mario Anzil, Vice President of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and steward of cultural affairs, further reinforcing the enduring bond between literature and civic stewardship in the vibrant city of Trieste.
