A century of love in one letter: Naples celebrates its passion through literature and the Italian faith.

Naples – Love for the city and devotion to its colors merge into one great collective tale. On August 1st, at 11:30 a.m., the IoCiSto bookstore will host the awards ceremony for the second edition of the "Love Letters to Naples" competition, sponsored by the Department of Tourism of the City of Naples, along with the renowned Vomese bookstore and the Abbruzziamoci association (which has managed the Museum of Love Letters in Torrevecchia Teatina for over 25 years).

The event falls on an iconic date: the centenary of the Napoli Calcio Sports Club. For the occasion, the initiative has been enriched with a special section entirely dedicated to the Azzurri team, which attracted 40 entries out of the 135 submitted to the jury.

An emotional bridge between generations (and continents)

The works were judged by an exceptional jury chaired by writer Maurizio de Giovanni and composed of representatives of the institutions and associations involved. The submissions surprised everyone with their quality and emotional intensity, breaking down all age barriers: the youngest participant is 13, while the oldest is a remarkable 95.

There was no shortage of heart-wrenching extras. The ceremony will officially open with the reading of a letter sent directly from Argentina: a touching text bearing only the author's first name. Although she was unable to compete due to regulations, it was chosen as a symbol of her deep and boundless love for the city of Naples.

"Hundreds of letters are hundreds of different ways of trying to say the same thing, impossible to fully express," commented Maurizio de Giovanni. "Naples continues to be a place where people feel they can write about love without shame. Letters to Naples and to Napoli speak of expectations, shortcomings, gratitude, and sometimes anger: loving well also includes the courage to say uncomfortable things."

The awards and the event

The Councillor for Tourism and Productive Activities, Teresa Armato, is also enthusiastic:

"Celebrating the team's centenary together with the competition means uniting two forms of belonging that define our identity. This initiative tells the story of Naples through the voices of its people, restoring an emotional legacy that no promotional campaign could match."

THE PRIZES UP FOR WIN:

General Section: First place will receive a cash prize along with a one-night stay in the city, courtesy of sponsor Scoop Travel. Second and third place will also receive prizes.

“Love Letter to Napoli” section: The sole winner will receive the official shirt autographed by the Azzurri captain, Giovanni Di Lorenzo.

The awards ceremony will be hosted by writer Federica Flocco, enhanced by readings by actor Sergio Savastano and musical performances by Curti Giardina.