Literary Competition: “Stories for Slowing Down”

“Stories for Slowing Down” is a literary competition promoted as part of the “Slowing Down Festival of Sustainable Rhythms”, an initiative organised by Aggiornamenti Sociali, the San Fedele Cultural Foundation, Àncora Bookstore and UCSI (the Italian Catholic Press Union).

The competition is an invitation to reflect on the relationship between time and contemporary life. In a society increasingly marked by speed, it collects short stories, personal testimonies, poems and narratives that explore the meaning of slowing down, a choice that can create space for listening, foster more authentic relationships and help build a more inclusive and sustainable society.

The competition is open to original, unpublished works which address the following theme:

“Today, in a world characterised by ever-accelerating rhythms, time plays a central role in human development across many dimensions: social, political, economic, environmental and spiritual. Yet our growing “hunger for speed” risks turning into a “famine of time,” excluding those unable to keep pace and narrowing the space for reflection and deeper understanding of reality.
Starting from these considerations, participants are invited to reflect on the meaning of “slowing down” in contemporary society. How can a different perception of time help build more authentic and inclusive relationships? Which aspects and challenges of our present age call for more sustainable rhythms and new perspectives oriented towards the common good?”

Entries must be submitted exclusively in PDF format, together with the completed participant form, to rallentare@aggiornamentisociali.it.

There is no fee for participation, and the competition is open to people of all ages. The three works selected by the jury will receive awards and be published on rallentare.org, while other particularly significant submissions may be featured through the editorial channels of Aggiornamenti Sociali.

Full regulations, prize details and the participation form are available online. Entries must be submitted by 12:00 noon (CEST) on 1 September 2026.