Premio Radici 2026: Calabria Honors Excellence in Culture, Knowledge and Achievement
CIRÒ MARINA, CALABRIA, ITALY — The ninth edition of the Premio Radici took place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Teatro Alikia in Cirò Marina, Calabria, highlighting the importance of cultural identity, journalism, artistic expression, professional achievement, and international cooperation.
The event celebrated the people and contributions that help preserve cultural heritage, strengthen communities, and promote excellence across different professional fields. Through its focus on achievement and social contribution, the Premio Radici highlighted the enduring connection between local identity and international cultural recognition.
Celebrating Calabria’s Outstanding Personalities
The Premio Radici is a cultural initiative dedicated to recognizing individuals whose professional journeys and contributions reflect the richness of Calabria’s social, cultural, and intellectual life.
Among the personalities announced for the 2026 edition were Domenico Maduli, president of Gruppo Pubbliemme and founder of LaC Network, and Franco Laratta, director of LaC News24, representing the regional media and journalism sector.
The artistic community was represented by master goldsmith Michele Affidato and sculptor and goldsmith Antonio Affidato. Other personalities announced included journalist and author Vinicio Leonetti, educator Teresa Caligiuri, healthcare professionals Letizia Tiano and Antonio Vaccaro, and oncology researcher Katia Grillone.
Their professional paths reflect the diverse ways in which knowledge, creativity, dedication, and public service can contribute to the development of society.
A Cultural Institution Connecting Heritage and Contemporary Achievement
The Premio Radici is associated with the promotion of historical memory and the cultural roots of Southern Italy. The initiative was conceived by writer and poet Francesca Gallello, whose cultural activities emphasize the relationship between heritage, identity, and contemporary creativity.
The event involved RADICI Internazionale, in collaboration with the local RADICI chapter in Cirò Marina and VELIERO APS. The region’s entrepreneurial and wine-producing heritage also formed part of the wider cultural context surrounding the initiative.
Beyond the recognition of individual achievements, the Premio Radici offers an opportunity to promote Calabria’s cultural identity and strengthen its visibility within Italy and internationally.
Hellenic Global Media International and Its Networks Support Cultural Cooperation
Hellenic Global Media International, together with its networks Hellenic Media Group and Hellenic Los Angeles Media Network, supported the 2026 Premio Radici, reinforcing their commitment to international journalism, cultural exchange, and the promotion of initiatives that bring communities closer together.
Through their media activities and international outreach, the networks seek to highlight cultural events, recognize meaningful contributions, and encourage communication among communities across national borders.
Their support for the Premio Radici reflects the importance of cooperation between media organizations and cultural initiatives in promoting achievements that deserve broader international recognition.
For the Greek-American community, such cultural partnerships also provide opportunities to strengthen connections with European cultural traditions while encouraging dialogue between Greece, the United States, Italy, and the wider international community.
Art, Literature, and the Preservation of Cultural Memory
The artistic dimension of the Premio Radici was reflected in the work of Michele Affidato and Antonio Affidato, whose creative careers connect traditional craftsmanship with contemporary artistic expression.
The program also included tributes to the memory of Professor and poet Luigi Ruggiero and journalist Anselmo Terminelli, personalities associated with the cultural and journalistic life of the region.
A presentation of the book Cambiare Rotta, by Giovanni Buscema and Simona Tricoli, was also announced as part of the program, adding a literary dimension to the cultural gathering.
Building Bridges Through Media and Culture
The significance of the Premio Radici extends beyond an awards ceremony. Initiatives of this kind demonstrate how cultural institutions can preserve historical identity, encourage social cohesion, and recognize individuals whose work creates a meaningful contribution to their communities.
For Hellenic Global Media International and its networks, supporting cultural initiatives is part of a broader commitment to promoting international understanding, professional excellence, and meaningful cooperation through media and communication.
Calabria’s rich history and cultural traditions provide a strong foundation for dialogue between local communities and the wider international public. By connecting heritage with contemporary achievement, the Premio Radici demonstrates how cultural identity can inspire future partnerships and opportunities.
The 2026 edition serves as a reminder that cultural heritage is not simply a reflection of the past. It remains a living source of inspiration for creativity, innovation, and international cooperation.
Sources and Further Reading
Il Cirotano — 9th Edition of the Premio Radici
LaC News24 — Premio Radici and Calabria’s Outstanding Personalities
Editorial note: The names and program details are based on pre-event announcements. The final list of award recipients should be verified against an official post-event announcement.
and Hellenic Media Group
International Journalism | Culture | Community | Cooperation
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