Parma, 19 January, 2026 - A festive atmosphere filled the Astra Cinema in Parma this morning as the awards ceremony for “Natale in Vetrina Crociata” took place. Now in its 22nd edition, the event once again showed that the real stars are the children involved, whose excitement and enthusiasm stole the spotlight, as always. Over the years, the initiative has become a beloved part of the winter holidays, bringing colour and life to shop windows in the city centre through displays inspired by Parma Calcio and the city itself. The project is designed and organised by the I Nostri Borghi Association and Parma Calcio, recognised by the FIGC in 2019 and supported by the Municipality of Parma, with the collaboration of Gazzetta di Parma, Ascom Confcommercio, CSI, the Departments of Sport and Education, and AVIS Comunale.

On stage were Fabrizio Pallini, President of I Nostri Borghi, alongside Stefano Perrone, COO of Parma Calcio, Gialloblù legend Marco Osio, Davide Antonelli, Delegate for Sport of the Municipality of Parma, Carlotta Riva of Ascom Confcommercio, Parma Men’s First Team goalkeeper Edoardo Corvi, and Parma Women’s First Team defender Camilla Cini. Special recognition was also given to Giuseppe Squarcia, SLO and CSR Manager of Parma Calcio, for his strong support of the initiative, as well as Luca Asinari (President of AVIS), Claudio Bassi (President of CSI), journalist Giancarlo Ceci, Maurizio Trapelli in the iconic role of Parma’s Dzèvod, Enrico Maletti, an expert in the Parmese dialect, and chef Roberto Pallini.

After the traditional opening with the Italian national anthem and the Parma Calcio anthem, performed by the Pelacani middle school choir and conducted by Rita Corrado Pagliara, the ceremony got underway in a burst of waving flags and chants of “Forza Parma” from the hundreds of children in attendance. As President Pallini reminded everyone, “Everyone leaves here a winner.'

“It’s incredibly moving,” said Edoardo Corvi, who was named Player of the Match in Sunday’s game against Genoa. “Seeing these kids wearing our shirts and waving the flags of the team from my city is something special. Feeling their affection is amazing, it’s been a really beautiful morning. You can also see how much effort the students put into creating these shop windows, and they deserve huge credit for it.” Camilla Cini, full-back for Parma Calcio Women, echoed those emotions: “I’m truly honoured and very emotional to be part of this ceremony. Being here means a lot to me, I’ve been at Parma for three years now and I’ve grown very attached to the city. You can tell how much these children care about the shirt, and it was really special to experience this with them. Hearing them sing the Parma anthem was particularly moving, an extra emotion.”

The event brought smiles all around, underlining the importance of values such as friendship, loyalty and respect, while encouraging young people to face challenges with positivity and enthusiasm. All participants will be invited to attend a Parma Calcio match, with everyone set to come together again as the countdown begins toward the 23rd edition of the initiative.

WINNING SHOP WINDOWS

People’s Choice Award - First Place: Noi per Loro Association

People’s Choice Award - Second Place: Micheli School (Classes 2A and 2C)

Artistic Jury Award - First Place (in memory of Corrado Marvasi, known as “Corradone”): La Salle Primary School (Classes 4A and 4B)

Artistic Jury Award - Second Place: Don Milani Primary School (Classes 1C and 1D), Vicofertile Football School, I Girasoli Social Cooperative

Prose & Poetry Award - First Place: Astra US ASD Football School

Prose & Poetry Award - Second Place: G. Pascoli Primary School of Poviglio (Classes 3A and 3B)

Special Awards

Creativity Award: Pelacani Middle School of Noceto (Classes 2E and 3E)

Originality, Sustainability and Love for the Area Award: Adorni Primary School and San Paolo Nursery School (Classes 1B and 4B)

Supporters’ Spirit Award: I Vecchi Inutili