THE 2026 IMMIGRANT TIMES SOLIDARITY PRIZE

Candidate for the 2026 Prize:

Oliveri, Sicily, Italy

The Immigrant Times Solidarity Prize will be awarded to a town or city, large or small, where residents have demonstrated that communities thrive when people stand by one another, whether their neighbours are newly arrived immigrants, families with roots in other parts of the world, or locals whose ties to the place go back generations.

Oliveri has been selected as a candidate for the 2026 Solidarity Prize. The Sicilian municipality has been praised for its culture of community solidarity. Please send us your comments if you support Oliveri. Please insert Oliveri in the subject line.

About Oliveri

Oliveri is a small municipality in the Province of Messina, in the Italian region of Sicily, situated roughly 150 kilometres east of Palermo and 45 kilometres west of Messina. Known locally as Liveri in Sicilian, it has a population of about 2,100.

The town's origins are thought to date back to the first century AD, and it is linked to the ancient city of Tyndaris. According to historians, including Pliny the Elder, a catastrophic earthquake destroyed Tyndaris and forced its inhabitants to resettle in what is now Oliveri. The name itself derives from the archaic local word Liviri, meaning calm, peace, and also olive tree. The area remains rich in olive groves, still commonly referred to as livara.

The town sits in the Gulf of Patti, beneath the promontory of Monte Tindari, facing the Aeolian Islands. Its historic centre contains notable monuments, including the parish church of San Giuseppe in Piazza Dante, and the modern municipal palace in Piazza Pirandello. Nearby, the protected nature reserve of the Laghetti di Marinello, a series of small lagoons shaped by coastal sand deposits, forms one of Sicily's most distinctive natural landscapes.

The current mayor, Francesco Iarrera, holds the municipal portfolio for social and health services, inclusion policies, schools and civil protection. He is known for his hands-on style, cycling through the town each morning, picking up litter and talking with residents.

Overview of nominations for Oliveri

Oliveri received one of the most extensive bodies of nominations on the Solidarity Prize's European list, messages arriving from across Italy, Argentina, France, and Switzerland, from people who have lived in the town for decades as well as those who passed through only briefly. Taken together, they paint a remarkably consistent portrait.

The word that recurs most is umiltà, humility. Nominators are at pains to say that Oliveri does not announce itself. As one resident put it: "We are a humble community, not inclined to boast." Another, writing from central Italy, described the town's solidarity as something that happens "with discretion" — away from the spotlight. This modesty is itself treated as evidence of the town's character: genuine generosity, the nominators suggest, does not require an audience.

What makes the nomination distinctive is its breadth. Many nominations come not from Oliveri residents but from outsiders, people who spent holidays there, or lived there temporarily, or simply observed the community from neighbouring towns. Simo, from Turin, writes that after years of summer visits, he now considers himself, "to all intents and purposes, a resident of Oliveri." Bernard, from Argentina, describes it as "a second home." Pat, from La Plata, nominates Oliveri on behalf of her son, who spent almost a year there alone while pursuing Italian citizenship and "found a community."

The nominations also describe a town that has become genuinely multi-ethnic in practice rather than in aspiration. Antonio, from Milan, notes that Oliveri is today home to asylum seekers, Romanians, and Argentinians, "all perfectly integrated." Firmado R., who identifies himself as a foreign migrant living in Oliveri, writes simply: "I arrived and never left." Remo, from Sicily, describes the football stands, a telling detail, as a place where citizens of all backgrounds come together united by a single passion for the town's team, which he calls "profoundly multi-ethnic."

Several nominations mention Mayor Francesco Iarrera by name, and it is notable how carefully nominators frame his role. Alberto, from Sicily, is direct: "Oliveri's true strength lies in its people. He is certainly capable, but he is also fortunate to have a humane, supportive, active, inclusive, and united population." Rita S., from Rome, echoes this: "Today is not the time to praise a single individual, but rather an entire community." The repeated insistence on this point — that the mayor reflects the town rather than defines it — reinforces the sense that what is being described is a culture, not a programme.

Concrete examples appear throughout. Roby, from Catania, describes the Giornate della Solidarietà (Solidarity Building Days), now in their ninth year, in which volunteers collectively restore and maintain public spaces, what the municipality calls "extraordinary normality." A visitor to the town singles out a community initiative called il gioco che non è un gioco (the game that is not a game), in which children collect litter from the beach and receive fairground tickets in return, civic education, as the nominator puts it, made enjoyable.

Nina, from Turin, describes the local amateur theatre company as a space where pensioners, young people, children, men and women perform together "without distinction," creating, in her words, "a universal body language." Daniele F., from Milan, highlights the sports team as a place where young people of different nationalities come together through mutual respect and a shared passion.

The picture that emerges from the nominations is of a community where solidarity is woven into the ordinary rhythms of daily life, festivals, football, the beach, and the morning walk through town. As one nominator summarises it: "In Oliveri, solidarity is not the exception but the rule; not an emergency, but a widespread culture."

Individual nominations

(Please note: If you have already nominated Oliveri, there is no need to do so again. Your nomination has been registered. If you have not yet nominated Oliveri, you may do so until mid-summer. How to nominate.)

Nominated by Tindara I., Oliveri

I would like to vote for Oliveri, whose Mayor Francesco Iarrera. gave everyone the opportunity to actively participate in all the local activities. Thanks to him, there are two reception centres in our small town: one for unaccompanied minors and one for families. For some years now, many young people from Argentina have also decided to stay here. The joy of sharing what we have or what we experience daily with them is an opportunity to give even more importance to what we do. Here, the path has been mapped out, the seed has been planted, and our children are growing up with this wonderful new reality.

Nominated by Mark L., Los Angeles, CA, USA

Oliveri is a true, exemplary embodiment of integration, hospitality, and community. Despite its small size, the town stands out for its profoundly humane and supportive spirit, which has enabled the construction of an inclusive social fabric that works as if it were one united living organism.

Nominated by Giorgio, Sicily

The Oliveri community has always been welcoming and inclusive. Just think of the folk group and its cultural exchanges, the various soccer and volleyball championships: a community that has always cared for others, both then and now, capable of doing so much with discretion. Oliveri is a town you can't help but love. My vote goes to Oliveri and its 2,000 inhabitants.

Nominated by Simo, Turin, Italy

Oliveri is my favourite place. Seeing it in the running for an international award is a source of great joy. I have been spending my holidays in Oliveri for many years, and over time, I have met some extraordinary people: a welcoming community that immediately makes you feel part of it. Over the years, I have made many friends, and today I feel, to all intents and purposes, like a resident of Oliveri.

Nominated by Tino, Sicily

Oliveri knows how to take care of everyone; you can breathe the air of home. It includes, welcomes, and creates friendships, bonds, and shared experiences. Today, Oliveri exemplifies active, inclusive, friendly, and practical citizenship. Its citizens are unique. I support Oliveri.

Nominated by M., Resident of Oliveri

Learning that our community is being considered for such an important recognition is truly moving. It is heartwarming to read the comments on the contest page; it is heartwarming to see that many of these messages of support come from people who are not from Oliveri. This shows that our community is seen by others as supportive, welcoming, and unique.

We are a humble community, not inclined to boast, and perhaps this is why there aren’t many messages from fellow citizens of Oliveri, even though they should be numerous. But we Oliveri residents, are simply like that. And what our supporters write is true: Oliveri does not exclude; it includes. Oliveri collaborates when involved. Oliveri does not judge those who are ‘different’. Oliveri is inclusive. Oliveri is welcoming. Oliveri is humble.

Nominated by Gino, Central Italy

Oliveri has always distinguished itself as a community: events, religious celebrations, difficult moments such as fires or floods… the community has always been present. The people of Oliveri are not judgmental; they welcome, include, share, and learn from others. Perhaps not everything is visible from the outside, but believe me: this is truly how it is.

Nominated by a visitor to Oliveri

I would like to support the town of Oliveri as an example of an inclusive community and a model for other places. Here, a simple yet deeply innovative initiative was created: the ‘game that is not a game’. The mechanism is straightforward: children collect litter left on the beach, take a photo of what they gathered, and receive free tickets for the local funfair rides in return. But the real value is not the prize, it is the gesture. It is civic education born from participation, responsibility transformed into enjoyment, and a sense of community strengthened through concrete action.

Nominated by S.M., Northern Italy

It’s touching to read the messages of support, where everyone praises kind and friendly people: Oliveri is truly a welcoming community. And even if I am far away, thanks to social media I can follow the words of Mayor Francesco, always unique, humane, and supportive. I can see photos of the beautiful beach and the sea, and through social media I can continue to experience Oliveri and feel part of that wonderful community.

Nominated by N. M., Sicily, Italy

Oliveri is a community that thrives on sharing, friendship, and inclusion. It is a human and cultural heritage in which both the Mayor and the Parish Priest can rightfully take pride, serving as examples of attentive leadership and symbols of a cohesive, supportive, and welcoming reality.

Nominated by Viviane F., France

Oliveri is a magical place: those who visit fall in love with it at first sight. Its inhabitants are warm, caring people who make everyone feel welcome and at ease. In Oliveri, there is a sense of brotherhood among all, which makes it a truly special community. It truly deserves recognition.

Nominated by Gio Q., Varese, Italy

Oliveri is a welcoming town, and it has always been so. Its past, present, and future speak of solidarity, humanity, and vitality. In Oliveri, people live together without distinctions. Oliveri does not judge; Oliveri extends a hand. To welcome, to live, to support—this is Oliveri. A sincere good luck to the Sicilian community.

Nominated by M. T. M. Sicily, Italy

A town where anyone would want to live, and not (only) because Iarrera is its Mayor: people genuinely live well in Oliveri. The sea, peace, tranquillity. A friendly place where everyone knows each other and everyone feels part of something. Where each person keeps alive the flame of community, with no distinction of ethnicity, religion, belief, and so on. Oliveri is not a perfect town — and thankfully so, one might say, since perfection tends to be boring. Rather, it is the people who live there who are perfect: they are the true community, the beating heart, the living centre.

Nominated by G. G., Sicily, Italy

The community of Oliveri, together with the Municipality, is vigilant, attentive, supportive, and able to work as a network. This is how the town has become inclusive, humane, and welcoming. Integration is not just a goal but a tangible reality, as shown by the presence of foreigners who are now part of everyday life in the area.

Nominated by T. A. Toscana, Italy

Oliveri has always welcomed anyone. It welcomed me as well for many years, and I never felt out of place: always part of a warm and caring community.

Nominated by Dany and Giu, Lombardy

Oliveri is the place of my heart: it’s where I met the love of my life, where we found peace, calm, tranquillity, and serenity. It’s where we found collaboration and support.

Nominated by P. R. Italy

Oliveri is beautiful, welcoming, and inclusive. Today it is known and visited by many, and anyone who comes here can feel the warmth of its people: creative, hospitable individuals who make everyone feel at home.

Oliveri is home to me as well, even though I experience it only in the summer. Oliveri and its people are shining examples of beauty and hospitality.

Nominated by C. C., Lombardy

It is true: today Oliveri is recognisable thanks to the energy and vision of its Mayor. But Oliveri is much more than that. It has always been: welcoming, inclusive, a place for everyone. Today it is a community that keeps up with the times, a 2.0 community, proudly portrayed by its citizens through the photos and videos they share on social media, spreading beauty. It lives through events, participation, and the desire to share what it is.

Nominated by Benedetto B. Northern Italy

Today, just as in the past, Oliveri continues to stand out through its reception centres, initiatives for integration and inclusion, volunteer work, recreational events, and collaborative activities. With discretion, the Municipality and its social services staff provide concrete support.Solidarity and sustainability remain the values guiding the community.

Nominated by Giuseppe P., Italy

Oliveri is made of small gestures and sincere care. In Oliveri, no one is a stranger, no one is excluded. We have attentive municipal employees and a mayor who is always present.

Nominated by N. F., Sicily

Oliveri is not a perfect community — perfection does not exist — but it is a community that is there and that acts. It has offered virtuous examples: it has organised games among neighbouring communities, creating a sense of belonging, collaboration, and unity. Oliveri has generated solidarity, welcomes different colours and religions, and fosters inclusion. It is not a homophobic community. Oliveri's citizens share daily photos on Facebook, capturing moments of togetherness, village festivities, and everyday life.

Nominated by Anna, Italy

Oliveri is full of heart. Oliveri is made up of people who, humbly and quietly, away from the spotlight, help, collaborate, and support one another. Oliveri is made up of good people who act without expecting anything in return. Altruism is practised here, always behind the scenes.

Nominated by Chris, Sicily

Oliveri is a special place because here, everyone—regardless of their background—is welcomed with kindness and generosity. The residents, with their smiles and spontaneous willingness to help, make everyone feel at home. It is this genuine humanity that makes Oliveri so unique and livable.

Nominated by Ciccio, Catania, Italy

Oliveri is a small town made of friends, relatives, and acquaintances. It is a place full of precious little things, of care, of strength, of inclusion. It is a town that feels like home — home in the widest and most familiar sense of the word. Oliveri is family.

Nominated by Antonio, Milan, Italy

Oliveri has always been a welcoming town: it has always known how to host, help, create, and collaborate. Today it is a multi-ethnic place, home to asylum seekers, Romanians, Argentinians, and many others. Today, Oliveri is a beautiful town because its people are beautiful.

Nominated by F. F., Turin, Italy

Anyone who has lived in Oliveri, whether for a short or long time, cannot help but support it. I spent my youth in Oliveri years filled with carefree moments, friends, relatives, and familiar faces. Oliveri is everything people say about it: Oliveri is home. It has always been that way through the years, and it still is today.

Nominated by Stephen, Sicily

Oliveri is a small and welcoming town, not only for its appearance but above all for the warmth and kindness of its inhabitants. It is a community marked by humility and generosity. The people of Oliveri have distinguished themselves through their spirit of cooperation — as seen in the solidarity days, the community games and events, acts of kindness, and the initiatives for the care and adoption of public spaces.

Nominated by Pat, La Plata, Argentina

I live in La Plata, Argentina, and it is with deep gratitude and admiration that I nominate the city of Oliveri, Sicily, Italy, for the Solidarity Prize. My son lived alone in Oliveri for almost a year while managing the process of obtaining his Italian citizenship. During that time, the city became his home - and, through him, it became mine as well. I will always remain profoundly grateful for the generosity, kindness, and sense of community he found there.

Nominated by Francesco A., Oliveri

I vote for Oliveri, as a solidarity prize. As a player and member of the Oliveri town soccer team, I believe the town is a perfect place to share a passion for sport, and the community cares about its own kids and those who come from outside, creating a positive environment for the people and the players  I hope there will always be more space for our friends and more space for sports facilities, soccer fields, and sports in general.

Nominated by Antonina G., Messina, Sicily

Oliveri brilla e fa brillare la dignità del valore di ogni essere umano e crea una splendente tela umana nel cielo della vita.

Nominated by Maria S., Italy

Oliveri is a welcoming and sunny place, and the children from all over integrate well because they are welcomed with love.

Nominated by Davide, Catania, Sicily

Oliveri does not know any discrimination. The people show solidarity through many small daily acts, many human gestures that make all the difference.

Nominated by Angelino F., Messina, Sicily

Oliveri is a wonderful town, made up of kind and genuine people. It isn’t perfect, as no place in the world is, but its residents stand out for their warmth and willingness to help. They never hold back you can see it in their volunteer work, in the Christmas, Easter, and Carnival celebrations, in the patronal feasts, in church life, and in the many social and recreational activities.

In Oliveri, people live together in harmony, without distinctions of faith, without homophobia, and without social discrimination. All colors and all kinds of diversity coexist under the same sky, in an atmosphere of respect and solidarity.

Nominated by Santi G., Catania, Sicily

Today, I wish to express my sincere admiration for Oliveri. Even though I do not live there, I feel that this town has the rare gift of restoring balance to both heart and mind. Oliveri is a safe, welcoming place, rich in many small yet profound virtues.

Oliveri is, above all, its people. And this community stands as a shining example one that deserves to be known, appreciated, and, above all, celebrated.

Nominated by Rita S., Rome, Italy

However, today is not the time to praise a single individual, but rather an entire community. Today, I wish to pay tribute to Oliveri.

Oliveri is not a perfect town, but it is a profoundly human one. Its citizens truly love it, and this affection is evident in countless small gestures: in Mr. Franco’s now-famous “good mornings” on social media, in the constructive reports and comments, in the praise, and in the many kind words shared on the contest’s page.

The people of Oliveri act, participate, and engage. They are inclusive not merely constructing bridges, but breaking down barriers. Oliveri is a town that welcomes you and captures your heart a place that stays with you.

Nominated by A.R., Catania, Sicily

I wish to praise the town of Oliveri, which in my view fully reflects the values and principles of your project. Oliveri is a vibrant and cohesive community, which I have the privilege of experiencing during the summer and would gladly live in year-round.

Oliveri is the “next-door town”: its residents are genuine, balanced, and approachable, creating a harmonious and welcoming environment. It is truly a pleasure to see such small communities competing for recognition of this kind. I am grateful for the opportunity to share these reflections.

Nominated by Giovanna, Turin, Italy

Oliveri is my beloved town. Its people are truly unique and special. I have spent my summers here for a lifetime, and every time it feels like coming home. Its people are simply amazing: in Oliveri, everyone feels part of something beautiful, authentic, and real.

Nominated by N. F., Sicily

In my opinion, Oliveri is a town that fully deserves to be included in this list of candidates. Today, its name is recognizable also thanks to the face of its mayor, but Oliveri is much more than that.

Here, hospitality, humility, and empathy form the foundation of the community. Here, everyone rolls up their sleeves and contributes with dedication. Oliveri has always been a town deeply rooted in the values of hospitality, collaboration, and solidarity.

Nominated by Giuseppe, Italy

Oliveri is a small town, but one with a big heart. It is a gentle place, where help arrives quietly, and where many people reach out to one another every day.

Nominated by N.S., Sicily

Finding Oliveri in this global context is truly extraordinary. This is finally an award that honours not just one individual, but the entire country and its community. Oliveri fully embodies the values and goals of your competition: it's a place everyone would love to live in, a town and its people capable of touching hearts and minds.

Oliveri represents a true example of an inclusive, supportive, and profoundly human community. A simple Google search is enough to discover the human and social value of this small town.

Nominated by Giuseppe, Sicily

I cittadini di Oliveri, oggi come ieri, sono sempre stati unici. Un paese di mare e di campagna, fatto di persone umili. L’umiltà di ogni singolo cittadino è ciò che crea comunità, accoglienza, inclusione. Duemila persone che si conoscono, che accolgono, che aiutano e che fanno tanto per far vivere Oliveri bene. La storia della comunità oliverese è antica e si è sempre distinta per essere una comunità unica, dal cuore generoso.

Nominated by Domenica M., Oliveri

Today, I want to express my support for the Oliveri community: a community that represents an authentic example of humanity, solidarity, and kindness. Small communities like Oliveri, inclusive and welcoming, where bridges aren't needed because inclusion already exists, deserve to be known, talked about, and shared.

Nominated by Lorenzo V., Oliveri

Supporting Oliveri is, above all, an act of love toward all its residents — they are the true living soul of this town. Oliveri is a unique community: vibrant, empathetic, united, profoundly human.

Nominated by Firmado R., Oliveri, Sicily

I arrived in Oliveri and never left. Being a foreigner, a migrant in a small Sicilian village, has been a real discovery: here I feel completely integrated. I work, I participate in social initiatives and village events. In Oliveri, no one feels alone.

Nominated by Stella, Sicily

Oliveri is more than a place; it is a way of living. It is the heartbeat of its citizens, an example of how unity and generosity can make even the smallest of towns truly great.

Nominated by Daria D., Sicily

Oliveri is a town that shows compassion even to peoples at war, with the sensitivity and empathy that characterise its roughly two thousand residents. Oliveri is an example of kindness, humanity, and solidarity, a community to know, to discover, and to love.

Nominated by Bernard, Argentina

In Oliveri, I found a second home. I am Argentinean, and I spent the most beautiful months of my life in this Sicilian community. In Oliveri, I met extraordinary people: humane, sensitive, and welcoming…….I am now in Spain, but my heart is there: among the streets of Oliveri and on its charming beach, surrounded by the warmth of its inhabitants. I support Oliveri with all my heart!

Nominated by Tiziana, Switzerland

On ne peut pas ne pas soutenir Oliveri. Oliveri, c’est la famille. C’est là que je passe mes étés, et c’est là que je vis certains des plus beaux moments de l’année…..Oliveri a toujours été une ville accueillante : elle a toujours ouvert ses bras, elle a donné sans compter, sans jamais faire de différence.

Nominated by Fede F., Switzerland

On voit clairement qu’à Oliveri, l’échange et la solidarité font partie du quotidien. C’est pourquoi les citoyens d’Oliveri méritent d’être représentés dans cette compétition.

Nominated by Palola M., Argentina

En Oliveri encontré personas maravillosas, siempre dispuestas a ayudar sin rodeos. En Oliveri encontré un segundo hogar. Nunca me sentí solo. Escribo desde Argentina: Oliveri fue para mí un hermoso descubrimiento.

Nominated by V. D., Argentina

Mi estancia en Oliveri fue extraordinaria. La gente fue amable y acogedora, me ayudaron muchísimo y solo puedo hablar maravillas de ellos……..Oliveri es un pueblo acogedor, donde la gente es amable, solidaria y compasiva, especialmente con los extranjeros. Hay un fuerte sentido de comunidad.

Nominated by Alberto, Sicily

Oliveri is a place where people of all backgrounds live together harmoniously. For this reason, it deserves to be nominated for this award. Oliveri is often mentioned for the qualities of its mayor, who certainly deserves much. But I believe that Oliveri's true strength lies in its people: they are the heart and soul of the town. It's wonderful that there is an award dedicated to the community, not just to the mayor. He is certainly capable, but he is also fortunate to have a humane, supportive, active, inclusive, and united population.

Nominated by Alessandro T., Italy

Oliveri è sempre stata una comunità solidale, umana e accogliente. Ricordo i tempi del gruppo folk, quando attraversava lo Stivale portando con sé un messaggio di integrazione e dialogo tra culture diverse.

Nominated by Very G., Sicily

Sostengo con piacere Oliveri. È un piccolo esempio di collaborazione e buone pratiche. Ci sono tanti volontari, cittadini che partecipano con impegno e altri che condividono ogni giorno foto e saluti su Facebook, portando un sorriso a residenti e non. Le immagini raccontano i momenti più belli della comunità: feste, eventi e ricordi importanti. Oliveri è da sempre una cittadina unita e solidale.

Nominated by Sicilia S.,

Oliveri è comunità.

È un paese tranquillo, dove il calore delle persone fa sentire tutti a casa. È le feste di paese, le processioni, il Natale, la Pasqua, il Carnevale, l’infiorata: momenti che uniscono, anche chi viene da lontano.

Nominated by Daniele F., Milan, Italy

Oliveri is a model of integration. The town's sports team brings together young people of different nationalities, united by a passion for sports and mutual respect. The children respond enthusiastically to the educational and recreational initiatives promoted by the mayor, who, with creativity and dedication, manages to engage the younger generations in a journey of civic growth.

Nominated by Ale C., Sicily

Oliveri has always opened its doors to foreigners, guests, and international twinning projects, making the encounter between cultures a true enrichment. Art, folk music, interculturality, and social commitment have long been an integral part of its identity.

Nominated by Roby, Catania, Sicily

Oliveri is a place where a sense of belonging translates into concrete actions, thanks to the unity of citizens, associations, local businesses, and institutions.

The Solidarity Building Days, now in their ninth year, are the ultimate expression of this: a regular event where public spaces are regenerated through the voluntary work of dozens of people. An event that has become "extraordinary normality," as stated on the Municipality's official website.

Nominated by Nina, Turin

You only need to attend the performances of the local theatre company, amateur but extraordinary, to understand that Oliveri is a place without borders. On that stage, there's a sense of inclusion: pensioners, young people, children, women, and men, all together, without distinction, offer a theatrical experience capable of capturing the nuances of diversity, creating profound connections and an expressive and universal body language.

Nominated by Dona P., Sicily

Oliveri is a festive, inclusive, and supportive community.

Nominated by Ana V., Turin

Oliveri is welcoming. You go to Mass and feel part of a true community. You stroll the streets and meet asylum seekers, Argentinians, tourists: all perfectly integrated.

Nominated by Salvo E., Catania, Sicily

In an Italy often lost and disillusioned, Oliveri has transformed itself into a laboratory of concrete solidarity, civic pedagogy, and ethical commitment. Here, great words don't remain on posters: they walk the streets, get their hands dirty, sit next to children, and bend down to pick up a piece of plastic on the beach.

Oliveri is not just a place. It is a community that has chosen to walk together. And its mayor is not just any administrator. He is a man who has decided to combine the power of words with the strength of gestures.

Nominated by Remo, Sicily

Walking through the town's streets, you can sense the warmth. At soccer matches, you witness something unique: citizens of all backgrounds—white, black, young, old—united by a single passion: their passion for the town's team, which is profoundly multiethnic and inclusive. At the beach, you meet your Argentine friends; Elsewhere, asylum seekers are integrated into everyday life, workers and full-fledged citizens. And then there are the decorations created by the "special" children, demonstrating how inclusivity can become tangible beauty.

Nominated by Salvatore, living outside Italy

Oliveri today represents a replicable model of a small, inclusive and supportive community, capable of implementing public policies geared towards the common good, sustainability, care for the local area, and human relationships, even with limited resources. Oliveri is a place where solidarity is not the exception, but the rule; it's not an emergency, but a widespread culture. It's an open, welcoming, and dialoguing town.

For all these reasons, I believe that Oliveri fully meets the criteria set out in the call for proposals and deserves consideration for the 2026 Immigrant Times Solidarity Award.

Nominated by Some E., Sicily

The Solidarity Prize was created to reward those who build bridges. Those who promote hospitality. Those who keep the flame of humanity alive, even in the darkest times. Oliveri does all this. Every day.

Nominated by Alfredo, Catania, Sicily

We believe that the Municipality of Oliveri fully embodies the spirit of the Solidarity Prize, despite being a small community. The symbolic and practical value of what happens in Oliveri is immense, and its experience could be an inspiration for other communities in Europe.

Nominated by Edigo C., Oliveri, Sicily

Oliveri has become a community where no one is invisible. Where every gesture, even the smallest, counts. Where kindness is a form of resistance.Oliveri teaches us that it doesn't take millions to change a country All it takes is a bike, an outstretched hand, and the courage to start.

Nominated by Marco, Italy

Oliveri è un esempio concreto di accoglienza, integrazione e cittadinanza attiva. Nonostante le dimensioni ridotte, il paese si distingue per il suo spirito profondamente umano e solidale, che ha permesso la costruzione di un tessuto sociale inclusivo e partecipato.

Negli anni, Oliveri ha accolto persone di diversa etnia, che si sono integrate perfettamente nella vita quotidiana del paese, contribuendo alla crescita culturale ed economica della comunità. In un tempo in cui le sfide legate all’inclusione sono sempre più urgenti, Oliveri rappresenta un modello virtuoso di convivenza pacifica e cooperazione.

Please send us your comments if you support Oliveri. Please insert Oliveri in the subject line.

Candidates for the 2026 Solidarity Prize

Confirmed candidates, as of April 2026: Zwolle, Overijssel, Netherlands || Oliveri, Sicily, Italy || Legazpi, Basque Country, Spain || Northallerton, Yorkshire, UK || Graz, Styria, Austria || Val-de-Reuil, Normandy, France || Montpellier, France || Santo Stefano del Sole, Avellino, Italy || Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany || Edmonton, Alberta, Canada ||

Please nominate further towns and cities. The list of candidates will be updated regularly.

Further reading from The Immigrant Times: Introduction to the Solidarity Prize || Nominees from North America. || Nominess from Europe ||

BACK TO TOP

COMMENT

Praise. Criticise. Write.

FOLLOW

Instagram || TikTok || X(Twitter) || Thread || Facebook || BlueSky || Mastodon || LinkedIn ||