Italian cities limit April 25 celebrations and ban 'Bella Ciao'

On April 25, as Italy celebrates 80 years since its liberation from fascist rule and Nazi occupation, several cities have canceled or scaled back traditional events. The decisions come during national mourning for the death of Pope Francis, but have drawn criticism for their political content.

In Romano di Lombardia, near Bergamo, the city council has banned the singing of Bella Ciao, symbolic anthem of the Italian Resistance. Only solemn songs, such as Silence e Attenti, were authorized at the ceremony. The measure was imposed by Paolo Patelli, from the far-right League party.

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The decision provoked reactions from the community and the National Association of Italian Partigiani (ANPI). “The band could be prevented from playing Bella Ciao, but citizens will not stop singing with love. It is a song of peace and will also be sung in honor of Pope Francis,” said Walter Torrioni, local director of ANPI.

According to Torrioni, the justification for mourning does not hold up. “The cinemas are still open, the market has been maintained. Why does only April 25th need to be solemn?” he asked.

The restrictions in Romano di Lombardia are part of a nationwide movement. Although the government of Giorgia Meloni, part of the right-wing coalition, did not veto the events, it recommended that they be carried out with “soberness”.

In towns such as Ono San Pietro and Cividate Camuno in the province of Brescia, ceremonies were canceled. In Cinisello Balsamo, near Milan, Mayor Giovanni Ghilardi banned partisan flags, canceled rallies and excluded resistance groups.

Even Domodossola, in Piedmont, a historical symbol of the Resistance, opted for a scaled-down event, without parades, music, or public speeches.

The movement is not limited to conservative administrations. In Leno, also in Brescia, governed by the Democratic Party (center-left), the event was reduced to a brief morning ceremony.

The controversy highlights how the memory of the Resistance continues to be a sensitive and politically contested topic in today's Italy.

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