Genoa has entered the heart of the 97th National Alpini Gathering, the annual event expected to bring hundreds of thousands of members and supporters of Italy’s famed mountain infantry corps to the Ligurian capital through Sunday. The city is hosting the gathering for the sixth time, following previous editions in 1931, 1952, 1963, 1980 and 2001.
The event officially opened on Thursday morning with a flag-raising ceremony in Piazza De Ferrari and the performance of the Italian national anthem in the presence of civil and military authorities. The square hosted military banners, veterans’ associations and representatives of active Alpini units.
Among those attending were Liguria governor Marco Bucci, Genoa mayor Silvia Salis and Deputy Transport Minister Edoardo Rixi. “We invite the entire city to welcome and embrace the Alpini arriving from all over Italy,” Salis said, while Bucci described the gathering as “a celebration for everyone,” praising the Alpini’s long-standing contribution to civil protection and public service.
Throughout the day, exhibition areas and the so-called “Alpini citadels” opened across the city, while the broader programme includes institutional ceremonies, parades and events stretching from the historic centre to the Porto Antico waterfront, leading up to Sunday’s traditional final parade.
The gathering has required a major logistical and security operation, including traffic restrictions, pedestrian zones, public transport changes and temporary closures of schools and local street markets.
Ahead of the official opening, the National Alpini Association also paid tribute to the victims of the 2018 Morandi Bridge collapse with a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial site attended by local authorities and relatives of the victims.
Alongside the celebratory atmosphere, however, tensions and controversy have also emerged. In parts of Genoa’s historic centre, particularly in the old town, some residents and activist groups voiced criticism and concern over the arrival of such large crowds. Episodes of hostility and protest were strongly condemned by centre-right political parties, which expressed “pride and gratitude” toward the Alpini.
Both mayor Salis and governor Bucci called for calm and mutual respect, condemning all forms of violence while underlining the national significance of the event.