"Bari Celebrates the 27th Edition of the Nicolino d’Oro on the Feast of Saint Nicholas" by Carlo Coppola
Bari Celebrates the 27th Edition of the Nicolino d’Oro on the Feast of Saint Nicholas
On 6 December, the City of Bari celebrated the 27th edition of the Nicolino d’Oro, coinciding with the liturgical feast of its Patron Saint, Saint Nicholas. This prestigious annual award honours individuals and institutions who have made outstanding contributions to the civic, cultural, and professional life of the city.
The ceremony, traditionally promoted by the Circolo Acli–Dalfino, took place this morning at 10:30 in the City Council Chamber of the Municipal Palace, in the presence of Mayor Vito Leccese, the Prefect of Bari H.E. Dr. Francesco Russo, and leading civil and military authorities. Members of the local press and dozens of citizens also attended.
The Mayor opened the event with a tribute to Enrico Dalfino—jurist and Mayor of Bari from 1990 to 1991—on the 90th anniversary of his birth, accompanied by a commemorative video portrait.
Papàs Antonio Calisi Awarded the Silver Nicolino for Religion
Among the 2025 honourees, a prominent place was given to Papàs Antonio Calisi, director of In Città Giovinazzo, who received the Silver Nicolino in the Religion category.
The official citation highlighted:
“A Catholic priest of the Byzantine rite and a true guardian of Bari’s historical memory, Father Calisi has dedicated his life to safeguarding the Italo-Oriental tradition—an essential key to understanding the identity of Saint Nicholas’ city. His ministry at the parish of Saint John Chrysostom—founded in 1957 to welcome Italo-Oriental faithful, descendants of the refugees of Villaggio Trieste—keeps alive Bari’s Byzantine roots in dialogue with the Eparchy of Lungro. For more than thirty years, Father Calisi has taught Religion at the ‘Socrate’ High School, transmitting to generations of students the religious, linguistic, and cultural heritage rooted in ancient Hellenism, and thus playing a decisive role in preserving local identity.”
In his words of gratitude, Papàs Calisi extended the honour not only to his parish community but also to the many friends present—including Don Giorgio Lionetti of Villaggio Trieste and the Armenian diaspora community of Bari, which in recent years has become part of the parish.
Other 2025 Nicolino d’Oro and Silver Award Recipients
The ceremony also recognised numerous individuals and organisations embodying the civic spirit and solidarity of Bari.
This year’s Nicolino d’Oro recipients included:
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Giorgina Specchia – Medicine
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Ruggeri Arredi Sacri – Commerce
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Militia Santi Nicolai – Popular Culture
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Politecnico di Bari – Education
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Cacucci Editore – Culture
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Rosa D’Eliseo – Civil Protection
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Manlio Epifania – In Memoriam
Silver Nicolino recipients:
Papàs Antonio Calisi – religion
Giovanni Di Serio – Baresità & Commerce
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Tommaso Garofalo – Social Work & Volunteering
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Benedetta Sassanelli – Social Commitment
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Biagio Diana – Baresità & Traditions
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Costantino Lerario – Environment
A Celebration of Civic Virtue and Community Identity
The 27th Nicolino d’Oro was not only an occasion to honour the achievements of its recipients—who receive the warmest congratulations from our editorial team—but also an opportunity to reaffirm the values of dedication, service, and civic pride that make Bari a city rich not only in history but also in people committed to keeping its spirit alive.
Carlo Coppola
