PER LEGGERE IN ITALIANO PREMERE QUI
NOMINATIONS ARE DUE NOW for candidates to receive a gold medal for lifetime achievement from the Association of Lucchesi in the World.
While the citizens of Lucca proudly believe their city is the best in the world, they have a centuries old tradition of leaving it too – whether to make their fortunes, flee religious persecution or sell their silks and olive oil, they leave but rarely do so without the intention of returning.
While Lucchesi may band together in their new outposts, they traditionally make their way back to Lucca at least once in their lifetimes, returning in September for Santa Croce, the festival honoring their beloved Volto Santo (Cross of the Holy Face).
Since its establishment in 1968, the Association of Lucchesi in the World (Associazione Lucchesi nel Mondo) has honored this tradition by assisting Lucchesi abroad find one another.
Today under the guidance of the Association’s talented President Ilaria Del Bianco, over 50 Lucchesi nel Mondo Clubs exist around the world from Australia to the Americas and Asia.
Ms. Del Bianco (left) organizes special events for returning Lucchesi every September, not the least of which is their participation in the procession on the Eve of the Feast of Santa Croce, September 13th, when representatives of the clubs proudly march together carrying banners proclaiming from where they’ve come. Ms. Del Bianco has further expanded the influence of the Lucchesi nel Mondo by backing the Puccini Museum in the home where he was born in Piazza Cittadella,
as well as a museum in his ancestral home in the hill town of Celle, where she organizes concerts of classical music.
During this emotion-packed reunion, the Association, the city of Lucca, and the Chamber of Commerce for the Northwest District of Tuscany, also honor 15 Lucchesi who have distinguished themselves in commerce, culture, art, sports, society and the professions.
Many famous figures have been honored in the past including restaurateur Sirio Maccioni (left), former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani (below left), and actor Susan Sarandon (below right) in 2023. But the majority of those honored are very successful, if relatively unknown, individuals in their fields.
To win a gold medal and certificate recognizing his or her achievements, the Lucchese-born or bred person needs to be nominated. This year for the first time, however, two special awards for emigrants from Massa Carrara and Pisa are also eligible to win as a result of their regions being newly included in the Chamber of Commerce for Northwest Tuscany. Two special awards are also available in memoriam and for exceptional humanitarian service.
For nomination details click on this link. Applications are due APRIL 15th.
To learn about the 2023 recipient of the gold medal in memoriam, click here.
To see highlights about last year’s award ceremony and recipients, click here.
