The International Literary Competition “Ceresio in Giallo”, organized by the committee of the same name and promoted by the Circolo degli Artisti di Varese, was created to promote writing and reading in the Italian language while also highlighting the lake districts and their cultural, environmental, and historical heritage.

The name of the competition combines “giallo”—the Italian literary genre of crime and mystery—with Ceresio, the ancient geographical name of Lake Lugano. The lake represents a cross-border territory shared by Italy and Switzerland, united by a common language as well as by history and cultural traditions.

The competition attracts wide participation: in the 2024–2025 edition, 538 works—both published and unpublished—were submitted from 19 Italian regions and 6 foreign countries.

The contest is divided into six sections, including published novels, unpublished short stories set in lake districts, unpublished novels, crime and mystery fiction for young readers, accessible eBooks, and a creative photographic-literary section.

The 2025–2026 awards ceremony will take place in Varese on Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 3:00 PM, with the participation of authorities, writers, and members of the jury. During the event, a Lifetime Achievement Award will also be presented to a distinguished crime writer, along with a special prize for the best Italian translator of crime fiction.

Participation in the competition is free of charge, and authors—especially those taking part in the short story section—are encouraged to explore and portray the lake territories through one of the most beloved literary genres: crime and mystery fiction.

Special attention is also given to young writers and readers, with dedicated youth prizes and the Giallo Junior section, created to encourage reading and creative writing among younger audiences.

Awards Ceremony: Sunday, May 24, 2026

For information:
ceresioingiallo@gmail.com

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