VILLA VITTORIA CULTURA presents ‘SILENCE AND MEMORY’, an extraordinary event of civic commitment in memory of the 45th anniversary of the ‘Ustica massacre’
Florence, June 25th, 2025. A special evening is scheduled for Friday, June 27th at Villa Vittoria, where “Silence and Memory” will take place, an extraordinary event curated by Firenze Fiera in commemoration of the 45th anniversary of the ‘Ustica massacre’, paying tribute to the victims and their families.
The evening will begin at 8:08 p.m. and continue until 8:33 p.m., evoking those interminable and tragic minutes that, on Friday, June 27th, 1980, saw the downing of the Itavia DC9 over the southern Tyrrhenian Sea. The plane, which had departed from Bologna heading toward Palermo, was shot down, costing the lives of 81 people, including 13 children. The title “Silence and Memory” marks this evening of civic theatre, calling for deep reflection on the disturbing reality that, even today, the identities of those responsible for the tragedy remain unknown.
This unique and moving live event stands as a powerful testament to civic engagement, a necessary moment of remembrance, reflection and dialogue, aimed at continuing the pursuit of truth and demanding justice for one of the most tragic and unresolved episodes in Italy’s history.
Following opening remarks by Giovanni Fittante, president of Villa Vittoria Cultura, Lorenzo Becattini, president of Firenze Fiera, will introduce the remembrance of this national tragedy. His speech will be a call to all those responsible for uncovering the truth, urging them to act with determination and courage to bring justice to the victims’ families.
Next will be a contribution from Ugo De Vita, author, actor and professor, who will also read selected tercets from Canto XXXIII of Dante’s Paradiso, accompanied by brief historiographical notes presented by Massimiliano Cardini.
Entry is available starting from 7:45 p.m. (tramway side, Viale Filippo Strozzi).
Free entry upon confirmation via email to: villavittoriacultura@gmail.com – freschi@firenzefiera.it