On April 25th, Italy marks Festa della Liberazione—the end of WWII and Nazi-Fascism—a hard-won moment that restored democracy and shaped the nation’s future.
On April 25th, COMITES SF hosted a moving commemoration at Italian Community Services, where over 40 guests gathered to honor this history through music, storytelling, and community: Ron Borelli filled the room with the sound of freedom on accordion, Maria Pignati led us in stirring renditions of Fratelli d’Italia, Bella Ciao, and Fischia il Vento, Francesca Bannerman shared vivid cartoon portrayals of wartime Italy, and guests watched “Le Donne della Resistenza” — the 1965 movie by director Lilian Cavani brought to life the courage of women who carried messages, mended uniforms, and kept the Resistance alive. The evening concluded with a reception where visiting scholar Alessandra Cassar shared personal reflections on WWII—thank you to Paola Tonelli for organizing such an enriching program and to everyone who joined us, including Alberta Lai (INNOVIT), Guido Mastropaolo (COMITES SF), and Ilia Salomone-Smith (COMITES SF).