ROMETTI AND
UMBRIA LIBRI 2026:
THE SEVERINO
CESARI PRIZE

On Sunday, 18 October, the awards ceremony for the ninth edition of the Severino Cesari Prize took place in the Sala delle Colonne at Palazzo Graziani in Perugia. Dedicated to discovering and promoting new voices in Italian fiction, this year’s prize was awarded to Alaa Faraj for Perché ero ragazzo, published by Sellerio, a work that addresses issues of significant social and civic importance. Alongside the winner, the shortlist featured Maria Spissu Nilson, with Sinnada (Feltrinelli), and Marina Zucchelli, with Latte (Rizzoli). Three authors and three works that demonstrate the vitality of contemporary fiction and the power of literature to explore human experiences, engage critically with the present and open up new perspectives. Established in 2018, the prize honours Severino Cesari, an Umbrian journalist, writer and editor who was a leading figure in Italian publishing and co-created the Einaudi Stile Libero book series. His legacy lives on through an award that supports debut authors and encourages literary exploration, giving a platform to stories and perspectives that enrich Italy’s cultural landscape.

For us at Rometti, being part of this event means continuing to nurture a relationship with our local community that extends beyond our manufacturing activities. Since 1927, in Umbertide, we have upheld a ceramic tradition in which craftsmanship, artistic research and experimentation come together to create objects that tell a story and express an identity. We believe that supporting culture means contributing to the growth of our community and recognising the value of those who, through their talent, create new opportunities for dialogue and inspiration. Literature and ceramics may use different languages, but they share the same creative impulse: transforming an idea into something that can be shared, evoke emotions and leave a lasting impression. It is in this affinity that we find the meaning of our participation in the Severino Cesari Prize and the value of the Rometti awards presented during the ceremony. We are delighted to have contributed to celebrating this occasion and congratulate Alaa Faraj, Maria Spissu Nilson and Marina Zucchelli on their achievements and literary works. We would like to thank the organisers of UmbriaLibri and the Umbria Regional Government for involving us in an initiative that places talent, creativity and our region’s cultural heritage at its heart. We remain committed to an Umbria that celebrates its excellence and builds connections between different forms of artistic expression. Because culture is a wealth to be shared, nurtured and passed on to future generations.