Italy’s Liberation Day, or Festa della Liberazione, is a national public holiday celebrated on April 25th and marked by ceremonies, historic re-enactments, public parades, waving the Italian flag, and an endless chorus of Italy’s beloved song of liberation, Bella Ciao, commemorating the end of World War II in Italy.
The date was chosen by convention in 1946. This was the day of the year 1945 when the Comitato di Liberazione Nazionale (CLN), a political umbrella organization and the main representative of the Italian resistance movement fighting against the German occupation of Italy, officially proclaimed the insurgency in a radio announcement, propounding the seizure of power by CLN and proclaiming the death sentence for all fascist leaders, including Benito Mussolini.
CLN coordinated and directed the Italian resistance. They were successful. Soon thereafter, the fascist usurpers were expelled from the Italian government, Nazi occupiers from the Italian mainland, and just and democratic rule established throughout the country.
Since then, Italians everywhere have celebrated April 25th as the Festa della Liberazione – Liberation Day – in commemoration of the new Italy that was birthed then. In doing so, they remember those brave freedom fighters who lost their lives struggling against the regime, and honor their courage.
This year 2020 the celebrations throughout the peninsula of Italy will be very different than usual. Because of the medical emergency known as COVID-19, Italy has activated strict measures to contain the spread of the virus, extended now through May 3rd.
Italians will still celebrate but with virtual initiatives and from their own houses. The traditional song Bella Ciao will be sang from Italian balconies. A song dedicated to all fighters against the Nazi and all authoritarian regimes. Fighters who believed in the high value of freedom to the point of losing their lives. And a song that is a warning to all of us, so we do not forget what a precious right is the one of freedom. Appointment is on Saturday April 25 at 3 PM CEST on your balcony. Join us!
Here is a link to the song with lyrics.
BUONA FESTA DELLA LIBERAZIONE!
Via Vitae Travels 