Music, storytelling, archival footage and personal testimonies came together to celebrate eight decades of Italian history during “80 Years Since the Referendum,” a major event held in Piazza del Quirinale and broadcast live on Rai 1 and across Europe. The show brought to a close two days of celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Italian Republic, in the presence of President Sergio Mattarella and the country’s highest institutional authorities.
Opening the evening, President Mattarella reflected on the journey Italy has undertaken since 1946, highlighting the values of solidarity and national belonging that continue to unite the country. Throughout the night, artists, athletes and cultural figures took turns on stage in a collective narrative that explored Italy’s achievements, challenges and transformations.
Among the most moving moments was Paola Cortellesi’s monologue dedicated to women’s first vote and the pioneering women who helped shape Italy’s democratic institutions. Singer Gianni Morandi paid tribute to the Republic with some of his best-known songs, affectionately describing it as a contemporary of his own generation that deserves to be protected and cherished.
The performance traced key moments of modern Italian history. Carlo Verdone shared personal memories from his life and career, while football legends Giuseppe Bergomi and Alessandro Del Piero recalled Italy’s World Cup triumphs. Actor Luca Zingaretti delivered one of the evening’s most emotional segments, reading a letter written by Aldo Moro to his wife during his captivity, accompanied by musicians Paolo Fresu and Danilo Rea.
The event also honored victims of organized crime through a performance by Cristiana Capotondi and reflected on the Covid-19 pandemic with a text by writer Antonio Manzini. The celebration concluded with a striking performance by ballet star Roberto Bolle, dancing to the iconic “Va, Pensiero.”
News Source: 9Colonne
