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
The Premio San Cristoforo d’Oro (Golden St Christopher medal ) was awarded this year to the Giornale di Barga which has been in existence for the last 70 years and the GVS who have organised amongst other events, the Solidarity Week for the past 30 years.
Merit scrolls were also awarded to citizens who have excelled in sports, social life, schools and culture.
A special career award was also presented to the artist Dario Ballantini.
The Premio San Cristoforo d’Oro – Golden St Christopher medals: 2003 | 2005 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010| 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 |
