Florence’s World War 2 Liberation Day Events, 2022

Damage to Florence by German mines in August 1944, photo courtesy and copyright of the Tipton estate

Every year on August 11, Florentines celebrate the liberation of the city from the Nazi and Fascist forces during World War II.  The focus is the return of democracy to the city in the wake of the 1944 retreat of the German army.  A number of commemorative events, therefore, will be taking place.

Wednesday, August 10

A ceremony will be held to honor Sikh casualties, who died in the fighting for the liberation of Florence, at the Stazione Leopolda (via Elio Gabbuggiani) at 6 pm.

Thursday, August 11

August 11 marks the actual date of the city’s liberation by Allied troops and Tuscan partigiani (resistance fighters).

At 7 am, the bell of “La Martinella” (in the Arnolfo Tower) will ring as it did to announce the arrival of the liberators in the morning of August 11, 1944.

At 8 am, a commemoration of the members of the Garibaldi brigade of resistance fighters who died in the Balkans will take place at Trespiano Cemetery accompanied by the Musiquorum choir.

At 9 am, a laurel wreath will be laid on the plaque on the facade of Palazzo Vecchio in via de’Gondi.  The words on plaque in memory of the Liberation of Florence were written by Piero Calamandrei.  At 9:45 am, a solemn ceremony to honor the war fallen with the laying of a laurel wreath will take place in Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia, near the station.

At 10:45 am, speeches will be given by city officials, the rabbi of Florence’s synagogue and the local head of ANPI (the National Association of Italian Partisans) in Piazza della Signoria to reflect on the anniversary.  (elif aytemiz)