Cagliari, Villanova in bloom is back: the competition that transforms the alleys into works of art

The “Balconi Fioriti” are back on time for the tenth consecutive year, the competition that transforms every windowsill, doorway and hidden corner of Villanova into a living, flowering and shared work .

A special edition, which marks ten years of love for the neighborhood and which, like every year, involves dozens of residents in a competition made of creativity, care and a sense of belonging.

There are 76 participants this year, who started in mid-March to decorate every available space with plants and flowers : from balconies to cracks in walls, from ancient doors to small squares that dot the alleys of Villanova. An initiative born "from below", promoted by the Committee "Balconi Fioriti a Villanova" together with the association Laboratorio Villanova, with the aim of enhancing the neighborhood and strengthening the bond between those who live there and those who pass through it.

To decree the most beautiful balconies, an exceptional jury that unites different worlds and points of view: Simona Orrù, assistant chief of the Forestry Corps and profound connoisseur of the territory, Giovanni Di Grezia, journalist and university professor and Antonello Dessì, RAI artist and author, founder of the association “Il Cornetto Acustico”.

The criteria? Green and blooming, originality, harmony with the historical architecture: elements that speak of aesthetics but also of urban identity. The technical judgment is accompanied by that of the public, who can vote online for their favorite balcony on the official Facebook page.

The awards ceremony will be held on Sunday 18 May at 5pm in Piazza Orrù and will be a true neighbourhood celebration : among the organisations involved are the Steampunk Sardegna association and the performance of the eclectic Rossella Faa, an artist loved for her overwhelming energy.

There will be no shortage of prizes, made available by over 60 local businesses including shops, restaurants, cultural spaces: a solidarity network that demonstrates how the art of "building community" can blossom just like a flower, if cultivated with passion.

The contribution of the Municipality of Cagliari was also crucial this year, in particular that of Mayor Massimo Zedda, Councilor for Urban Ecology Luisa Giua Marassi and manager Fabrizio Porcedda, who donated 200 plants and flowers to support the initiative.

(Unioneonline/Fr.Me.)