Celebrations for St Christopher the Patron Saint of Barga took place today with the “San Cristoforo d’oro” awards ceremony and a long torchlight procession through the streets of Barga up to the Duomo.
The Premio San Cristoforo d’Oro (Golden St Christopher medals) named for Barga’s ancient patron, Saint Christopher, are presented each year to celebrate extraordinary contributions to the town and its people.
Mayor Caterina Campani said the awards recognised people who had helped to raise Barga’s profile across the world.
It was important that we did something to honour the citizens of Barga. Many places do it but Barga was not one of them so we decided to use our patron saint as a symbol of pride and identity for the town. Every year we honour people who have stood out and done something in Barga or across the world – Mayor Marco Bonini
This year’s awards ceremony will commence with the presentation of three “San Cristoforo d’Oro” awards, the highest and most coveted honor bestowed by the municipality of Barga to its deserving citizens and those who represent Barga on the global stage.
One of the “San Cristoforo d’Oro” awards will be presented to Luciana Garbuglia, who concluded her term as mayor of San Mauro Pascoli in June. She is being honored for her dedicated efforts in promoting the works of Giovanni Pascoli. The second award will be given to ASD Barga 1924, celebrating its centenary this year, recognizing a hundred years of contributions to local football. The third award will go to Greta Doveri, a rising star in the world of opera. Hailing from a family originally from Mologno, she is the youngest soprano at the prestigious Accademia del Teatro alla Scala in Milan.
Following the prestigious “San Cristoforo d’Oro” awards, several merit plaques will be presented to individuals and organizations who have distinguished themselves through their work or notable achievements:
Idrotherm 2000 will be honored for receiving the “Excellent Company” award from the SME Observatory, recognizing their responsible use of resources, durable and innovative products, and sustainable investments.
Veronica Bocci, a manager from Barga, will be recognized for being named one of the 15 most brilliant women in the global railway industry by the International Railway Journal.
Patrizia Farsetti, the school principal from Barga, will be acknowledged for her years of dedicated service as she retires in September from her leadership role at the Barga Comprehensive Institute.
Matteo Passini, a young dancer from Fornaci, will be celebrated for his illustrious career performing in some of the world’s most renowned theaters.
Luca Galeotti, the director of the Giornale di Barga, will be honored for his 30 years of editorial leadership since 1994.
Additional merit plaques will be awarded to:
Tuscan Homes – Case Toscane in Barga for its 35 years of service.
Gioconda Lorenzini for 20 years of running the agriturismo I Cerretelli.
Leonardo Umberto Conti Marchetti for his election to the national board of Unitre.
ASD Uno Spazio per te for their cultural promotion activities.
Franca Marchi, the steadfast manager of Ristorante Il Mostrico in Renaio, celebrating its centennial year before closing in 2024.
Cinzia Coli for her contributions to the educational sector.
Nicola Lazzarini, known as Mago Zazza, for achieving fourth place in the European Magic Championships.
The Papalagi Theater Company from the Tuiavii di Tiavea Day Center in Fornaci di Barga for winning first prize with their work “La rapina” at the Arezzo Short Film Festival.
The Premio San Cristoforo d’Oro – Golden St Christopher medals: 2003 | 2005 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010| 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2023 |
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