by InTrieste
Trieste, often regarded as a crossroads of European history and culture, will host an extraordinary series of events on Saturday to commemorate the 70th anniversary of its return to Italy. In a striking display of national pride, the sky over Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia will be filled with the vibrant colors of the Italian flag as the famed Frecce Tricolori, Italy’s national aerobatic team, takes to the air in a ceremonial flyover.
The Frecce Tricolori, based in Friuli Venezia Giulia, were specifically requested by the regional government to honor Trieste’s pivotal moment in history. The anniversary marks the city’s official reunification with Italy after years of contested sovereignty following World War II. The day’s events will begin at 10:00 AM, with the raising of the Italian flag in Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia, accompanied by speeches from local and national officials.
A Solemn Ceremony for Dignitaries
In the afternoon, a more formal gathering will take place at Trieste’s City Hall. This private ceremony, set for 3:00 PM, will bring together the city’s highest authorities, along with representatives from the Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies. The prestigious Cavalry Brigade “Pozzuolo del Friuli” will provide a ceremonial fanfare, lending a sense of grandeur to the proceedings.
Such gatherings are more than symbolic for a city that spent nearly a decade under Allied military administration following the Second World War before being formally returned to Italy in 1954.
Remembering History Through Tradition
One of the highlights of the day will be the Historical Reenactment of the Rome-Trieste Relay, a tradition that has its origins in 2004. To honor the connection between the Italian capital and this border city, a group of athletes will run the final leg of the historic route, starting from the military shrine in Redipuglia and concluding in Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia.
A massive Italian tricolor flag, stretching over 100 meters, will accompany the runners as they make their way through the city, symbolizing the unity and resilience of the Italian nation. The event will conclude with the lighting of a ceremonial torch at 4:30 PM in the city’s central square, marking the culmination of the relay.
A Day of Reflection and Celebration
The festivities will come to a close with the lowering of the Italian flag at 5:00 PM, followed by a performance by the San Donà di Piave Bersaglieri Fanfare, a musical ensemble known for its connection to Italy’s historic Bersaglieri military corps. The ceremony is expected to attract both locals and visitors, reflecting the deep-seated pride that Trieste’s citizens continue to feel for their city’s storied past.
While Saturday’s celebrations will undoubtedly focus on Trieste’s reunification with Italy, they will also serve as a reminder of the city’s unique position as a cultural and historical bridge between East and West. Seventy years on, the vibrant and multicultural city of Trieste remains a symbol of resilience, unity, and hope for the future.
