150˚ Anniversario dell’Unità d’Italia

150 Years Together

Today is the 150th anniversary of the reunification of Italy, the climax of the Risorgimento. The country of Italy, as we know it today, is a relatively recent phenomenon considering the long history on this peninsula.

You would think that this would be a big event here but there has been much debate in the previous months about how much “celebrating” there will be. The government in Rome has flip-flopped more than once on whether or not to make it a national holiday with government, business and school closures. The President of Basilicata has declared that schools will be closed today.

It is interesting as to the lack of events we are able to find to celebrate this event. No parades or festivals in our area. Why you might ask? It depends on your location in Italy. This day marks the final triumph of the Garibaldi invasion of the Kingdom of Naples. For some in the south this was considered an occupation and resulted in farmer uprisings that lasted many years. For some in the north the unification of northern and southern Italy is not seen as a positive step, they consider the south a financial burden.

The reunification created the map outline that was under a monarchy while many consider that modern Italy emerged after Mussolini with the creation of the Republic. A famous politician in the 1860’s said “We have created Italy, now we must create Italians”.

Either way we will take some time to raise a glass of alianico that there is an Italy, with all of her warts and splendor together.