Italian cultural associations launch new poetry competitions

Several Italian cultural associations have announced new poetry and writing competitions aimed at fostering creativity and preserving linguistic traditions.

In Cesena, Poesis Aps, in collaboration with the municipality, has launched the 2026-2027 edition of the “La Casa rossa junior” national competition. Open to residents of Italy under the age of 18, the contest features two categories: poetry (divided into three age groups from 6 to 17 years) and short stories (for ages 11 to 17). The competition is free to enter, requires anonymous submissions, and strictly prohibits the use of artificial intelligence for generating works. Submissions must be sent by February 20, 2027.

Meanwhile, the second edition of the Premio di Poesia Città di Novara is returning. Organized by a coalition of local associations including Pro Loco Novara APS and Academia dal Rison, the award focuses on memory and the valorization of dialect. The competition includes categories for Italian language poetry, dialect poetry (requiring an Italian translation), and a youth category for authors up to 26 years old. Submissions are due by December 9, with the awards ceremony scheduled for January 2027 during the San Gaudenzio festivities.