by InTrieste
This Saturday, the Union of Istrians celebrated its 70th anniversary in a solemn and reflective ceremony at the Generali Convention Center in Trieste’s revitalized Porto Vecchio district. The event brought together prominent figures from local, regional, and national levels, including Italy’s Minister of the Interior, Matteo Piantedosi, underscoring the enduring importance of this organization in preserving the history of one of the most turbulent chapters in modern European history.
Founded in 1954, the Union of Istrians was established to represent the Italians who were forced to leave their homes in Istria, Dalmatia, and the Quarnaro islands in the wake of World War II. This mass exodus—estimated to have affected 350,000 people—was a consequence of shifting borders and ethnic tensions following the annexation of these territories by Yugoslavia. For decades, the trauma of displacement, often compounded by silence and neglect, remained an unspoken chapter in Italian history.
The anniversary ceremony was both a commemoration and a recognition of the Union’s efforts to bring these stories to light. “The Union of Istrians has played a crucial role in ensuring that these personal and collective tragedies are not forgotten,” said Minister Piantedosi.
Highlights of the event included reflections on key milestones achieved by the Union over the decades. These include the establishment of monuments such as the Basovizza Foiba Memorial and the Exodus Monument in Trieste’s Piazza Libertà, as well as cultural events like the historic 2010 concert in Piazza Unità, attended by the presidents of Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia—an unprecedented symbol of reconciliation in the region.
The anniversary also served as a platform to celebrate the Union’s leadership. Its president, Massimiliano Lacota, was honored at a City Hall ceremony earlier in the week, where the Union received the Trecentesco Seal of the City of Trieste—a recognition of its tireless dedication to preserving memory and fostering understanding.
For many in attendance, the event was a poignant reminder of the resilience of those who endured displacement and the responsibility to keep their stories alive for future generations. As the Union of Istrians enters its eighth decade, its mission remains more relevant than ever in promoting dialogue and historical awareness in a Europe still grappling with the legacies of its fractured past.
