25 April is Liberation Day in Italy. In another post I talk about the Column of Liberty, an annual celebration that takes place as part of Liberation Day festivities. Let me tell you the story behind Liberation Day in Italy.
Liberation Day in Italy
Liberation Day marks the fall of Mussolini’s Italian Social Republic and the end of the Nazi occupation in Italy in 1945.
Festa della Liberazione
Festa della Liberazione is a national holiday (made a permanent, annual national holiday in 1949). The actual date to celebrate Liberation Day was selected in 1946 and is said to be the actual date that a radio announcement was made announcing the seizure of power by the National Liberation Committee (CLNAI) and the passing of a death sentence on all fascist leaders. In fact Mussolini was shot three days later and it marked the end of 20 years of fascist dictatorship and five years of war.
Italian Resistance
The celebrations honor those who served in the Italian Resistance and all around the country there will be festivals, rallies and marching bands as part of the festivities. A popular song is ‘Bella Ciao’ which was sung by the Italian Resistance during World War II. Here is a version showing the lyrics in Italian and English.
Before you go
My name is Dorothy Berry-Lound an artist and writer. You can find out more about my art and writing at https://dorothyberryloundart.com.
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