Recognition of Italian excellence in the Senate of the Republic

Rome – Palazzo Giustiniani

On March 2, in the evocative Sala Zuccari of Palazzo Giustiniani, the historic seat of the Senate of the Italian Republic, the ceremony for the Venice International Grand Prize – Golden Lion was held, dedicated to the “Recognition of Merit for Italian Excellence in Peace and Economic Development”.

The Golden Lion of St. Mark award, since 1953 a recognition of commitment and ability. An award for citizens who have distinguished themselves by contributing to the economic and civil growth of society.

An event that has always brought together leading figures from the institutional, economic, cultural, and business worlds to celebrate the value of merit and the contribution of those who, through their work, promote growth, dialogue, and development in the national and international context.

Every year, the Presidential Committee of the Grand Prize, composed of prominent figures from the political, cultural, and business worlds, selects those who deserve to receive the “Institutional Plaque of Venice of the Golden Lion of St. Mark.” The award is not only an object of great value, but also a sign of recognition for those who have made a concrete contribution to the improvement of society.

In addition to the “Institutional Plaque of Venice of the Golden Lion of St. Mark,” the Committee may also decide to award the prestigious “Special Recognition of Merit” parchment to those who, while not having reached the pinnacle, have distinguished themselves for their extraordinary contribution.

The ceremony, presided over by Maurilio Prioreschi, President of the Venice International Grand Prix, Sileno Candelaresi, President of the Golden Lion, and Luz Adriana Sarcinelli, Vice President, was attended by countless representatives of the world of “Italian excellence,” each distinguished for their profession and daily commitment.

Among the institutional speeches were those by magistrate Catello Maresca, President of the Golden Lion for Legality; Prof. Marco Gargari, President of the Golden Lion for Medicine; journalist Lorenzo Mayer, President of Star Press Golden Lion; Prof. Cristina Siciliano, President of the Golden Lion for Culture; and Dr. Pierpaolo Zagnoni, Vice President of the Venice International Grand Prix.

During the ceremony, awards were presented to individuals who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields, contributing to the promotion of Italian excellence and the establishment of international relations based on cooperation and development.

Among the awards were those given to the President of the Veneto Region Luca Zaia, the President of CONI Giovanni Malagò, the Albanian Minister of Agriculture Andis Salla, the Director of Communications for the Ferrovie dello Stato Group Giuseppe Inchingolo, and the offshore world champion Maurizio Schepici.

The award also celebrates representatives from the worlds of diplomacy, business, and journalism, including the Ambassador of Serbia Mirjana Jeremic, diplomat Vukasin Todorovic, Hon. Giuseppe Emanuele Cangemi, Comm. Walter Arbib, journalist Emma Evangelista, and journalist Andrea Barbieri.

A significant moment was also dedicated to Italian gastronomic tradition with the recognition of the Knights of Italian Cuisine in the World, including Antonio Sorice, Zerina Bogucanin, Francesco Pepe, Salvo Lieto Antonio, Simeone Castaniere, Libero Riccio, Fabio Campoli, and Stefano Dalla Valentina.

Among the most eagerly awaited tributes was that to Maestro Iginio Massari, a symbolic figure in Italian pastry-making and ambassador of the art of confectionery around the world, together with the celebration of Pietro Tangari’s thirty years in the business.

During the evening, awards were also presented to Sabrina Ulivi and Giovanni Cozzolino, who have been involved in research and scientific dissemination for years, in neuroimmunology and epigenetics, promoting science as an ongoing commitment.

Founded in 1947, the Venice International Grand Prix – Golden Lion has for decades been one of the most significant awards dedicated to Italian merit and excellence in the fields of culture, legality, economics, and international relations.

The event held on March 2 at the Senate is thus confirmed not only as a celebratory ceremony, but also as a symbolic moment in which Italy pays tribute to those who contribute, through their work and vision, to building a future based on peace, development, and the value of talent.

The “Venice Institutional Plaque of the Golden Lion of St. Mark” is not just an award, but represents the culmination of a commitment that changes the lives of people, businesses, and communities.

They testify that excellence is a value that transcends time and space, a value that, like the Lion of St. Mark, will continue to shine for centuries to come.