The 33rd edition of the Festival delle Torri, an international festival of music, dance, art, and folklore that has attracted folk groups from around the world to the town since 1988, was presented to the Municipality of Cava de' Tirreni. This year, the prestigious "Tower of Peace" Award will be presented to two prominent figures: Father Giampaolo Cavalli of the Antoniano Onlus organization in Bologna and physician Rodolfo Punzi, a symbol of the fight against Covid-19.
The Festival of Towers
Folk groups from Chile, Bolivia and the Philippines will be present, as well as the Sbandieratori Cavensi, who will perform from 2 to 5 August in Cava de' Tirreni and Vietri sul Mare. The event is organized by the Ente Sbandieratori Cavensi-Città di Cava de' Tirreni, in collaboration with the municipalities of the two cities. The presentation was attended by the mayor of Cava de' Tirreni Vincenzo Servalli, the councilor delegated to tourism of Vietri sul Mare, Vittorio Menzozzi, together with Domenico Burza, President of the Ente Sbandieratori Cavensi, and Emanuela Argentino, President of the Permanent Committee for the organization of the Festival delle Torri.
Statements by the Authorities
Mayor Vincenzo Servalli expressed great satisfaction for the inclusion of the Festival in the Municipal Statute, recognizing it as one of the most important events in the city. Vittorio Menzozzi highlighted the historic synergy between Cava de' Tirreni and Vietri sul Mare, which is confirmed through the collaboration for the Festival and the awarding of Dr. Rodolfo Punzi.
Cultural and Social Value of the Festival
Domenico Burza stressed the importance of the event as a meeting point for music, art, folklore and dance from around the world. The event is made possible thanks to funding from the European Union and the Ministry of Culture as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. Emanuela Argentino thanked the municipal administrations and private individuals who contributed to the realization of the Festival, as well as the friars of the Convent of San Francesco and Sant'Antonio for the hospitality offered to the participating groups.
Prizes and Awards
The “Torre della Pace 2024” Award will be given to Antoniano Onlus, represented by Father Giampaolo Cavalli, for its commitment to assisting the needy through activities such as the Zecchino d'Oro and the Franciscan soup kitchens of Operazione Pane. Founded in 1953 by Father Ernesto Caroli, Antoniano continues its mission of solidarity and support for the poor in Italy and around the world.
Special Award to Rodolfo Punzi
During the evening of August 5th in Marina di Vietri sul Mare, the special “Torre della Pace-Città di Vietri sul Mare” Award will be given to Dr. Rodolfo Punzi. An infectious disease specialist, Punzi was on the front lines in managing the Covid-19 emergency at the Cotugno Hospital in Naples and received the honor of Knight of Merit of the Italian Republic. This edition of the Festival delle Torri promises to be an event rich in culture, tradition and recognition of the social and health commitment that has characterized these last difficult years.
