Italian
Recognition of excellence in Metropolitan Municipalities. Brugnaro: “Today we reward excellence to set an example for young people, telling them the stories of individuals”
VENICE. The Great Council Chamber of the Ducal Palace hosted this afternoon the seventh edition of the “San Marco Feast Award,” an event that has now become traditional and desired by the Municipal Administration, to honor those citizens or entities who have brought prestige to the City of Venice and the entire metropolitan area with concrete works in the sciences and arts, industry or craftsmanship, work, sports, school, security, or with social, welfare, philanthropic initiatives.
After a minute of silence for the passing of Pope Francis, the event was opened by the brass notes of the Teatro La Fenice, conducted by Maestro Fabio Codeluppi and accompanied by the voices of soprano Rosanna Lo Greco and tenor Andrea Schifaudo.
Greetings to those present from the Mayor of the City of Venice and the Metropolitan City, Luigi Brugnaro. “It is an honor to see that the San Marco Award has reached its seventh edition, rightfully entering among the events of Venetian tradition that not only honor the city, but the entire metropolitan area. Today, I also want to thank all the mayors and all the people present here,” said the mayor. “Today we reward excellence to set an example for the young people, telling them the stories of the people who live in our great city and thanking them for what they have done. There is a living reality made up by the Metropolitan City, which does not end here in Venice but extends to Padua, Belluno, Rovigo, Treviso, and tells the story of what happens in all our 44 Municipalities. Today we celebrate April 25th, the day of Freedom that was conquered against totalitarian regimes. It happened 80 years ago and this democracy we must continue to defend it not only in words but also in deeds. And we must all do it together, doing our job well and fulfilling our duty to set an example of harmony and reconciliation that such a beautiful day requires.”
Following this, the official awards ceremony began with the mayors of the Municipalities of the Metropolitan City presenting an award to individuals, organizations, or associations deserving recognition for having brought honor to the city through their daily commitment, enhancing the metropolitan area, and setting an example of tenacity, determination, generosity, and expertise.Space was also given to the economic categories, represented by Confartigianato, Confapi, Confcommercio, Confagricoltura, Confindustria, Coldiretti, Legacoop Territorial Office of Venice, to the hospital companies Ulss 4 and Ulss 3, whose staff work in various sectors with a spirit of sacrifice. Recognition was also given to law enforcement and military personnel (local Police, Navy, Italian Army, Firefighters, Carabinieri, Harbor Master’s Office, Financial Guard, Prison Police, Prefecture and State Police), to the municipal companies of the City of Venice (Actv, Vela, Veritas) and to Atvo; this was followed by awards for the cultural world and universities, represented by the Venice Biennale, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, and Iuav University.
Many citizens of the Municipality of Venice have received the “osella” and the parchment, among them are outstanding figures from the world of sports, associations linked to volunteering and social issues, and young people who carry on the city’s traditions. Special awards were also bestowed upon: Aldo Savoldello, known as Silvan, for his extraordinary contribution to the world of magic and entertainment. Eligio Paties, renowned restaurateur, for his excellence and dedication in the restaurant industry. Golden Goose, a leading company in the fashion sector, for their innovation and international success. Fabrizio Coniglio, for his commitment to social and volunteering activities. Sabrina Salerno, for her contribution to music and pop culture. Le Orme, a historic music group, for their long and influential career in the Italian music scene. Two awards were given in memory of Giuseppe Chiaia and Sammy Basso, remembered for their significant impact in the community and for their courage and inspiration.
At the end of the ceremony, which concluded with the Hymn of San Marco, all the women were given the traditional bòcolo.
The “San Marco Festival Award” was organized thanks to the support of Vela spa and the Civic Museums Foundation.
