The public holiday of Liberation day is marked all around Italy in remembrance of the day in 1945. It recognises the sacrifices made by the partisans of the Italian Resistance movement during World War II who not only fought the troops of the Fascist regime under Mussolini but the Nazis as well. It is the day that the Allied troops finally managed to liberate Italy.
Liberation Day Celebrations
In all towns and cities around Italy, the streets will be crowded with Italians celebrating and remembering those who gave their lives for the freedom of others. Marching bands, flags, political rallies, concerts are just some of the ways in which the country shows its respect for its fallen heroes and heroines. Most things are closed, including restaurants, shops and public services unlike other public holidays.
One song represents the date of liberation ‘Bella Ciao’. It is a folk song about a partisan who died for freedom and who had asked to be buried in the mountains under the shade of a beautiful flower.
The Italian Resistance Movement
Following Italy’s armistice in September 1943, the Italian Resistance Movement grew – it included factions within most parts of the country and abroad. Over 200,000 Italians registered as formal members with 55,000 of them women. The involvement of women was a voluntary one, unlike the men for whom there were many consequences if they did not sign up. However, this did not mean that the women were less at risk from danger. They took part in very dangerous manoeuvres often on the German border as well as relaying messages and delivery everyday necessities such as food and clothing. Sometimes they also delivered weapons and played a key role in helping arm the Movement. They risked their lives, alongside those of their men, in order to fulfill their responsibilities and fight for the freedom of millions of Italians.
Following the end of the war, the statistics show that their efforts were not without a price.
- Approximately 45,000 Italian partisans were killed
- Approximately 21,000 Italian partisans were wounded
- Some15, 000 Italian civilians were killed
- 40,000 Italian soldiers died whilst incarcerated in concentration camps
However, the contribution of women did not pass by without recognition and resulted in them securing a seat in Italian politics, which continues to this day.
Liberation day is a day of remembrance as well as celebration and is recognised with all the glory and the respect that the Italian heroes and heroines of the Second World War deserve.
References:
The National Association of Italian Partisans
War in Italy 1943-1945 by Richard Lamb DeCapo Press (1996
