Florence commemorated November 4, 1966, a date that marks the tragic event of the flood that hit the city. Today we celebrate the 58th anniversary of this catastrophe with a series of significant events.
The day began at the San Felice a Ema cemetery, where a laurel wreath was placed on the tomb of Carlo Maggiorelli, a worker at the Anconella aqueduct who lost his life on the job for not abandoning his duties. In Settignano, Marina Ripari and Leonardo Sottile, victims of the flood, were also remembered. In the courtyard of the Dogana di Palazzo Vecchio, a laurel wreath was again laid in honor of the victims. The commemoration also saw a mass celebrated in the Basilica of Santa Croce, in the presence of the Gonfalon of Florence and the Mayor Sara Funaro.
“It is an honor to be here representing the city government on an important day of remembrance,” Funaro said. “There were lives and stories shattered by the fury of the water that covered our city, a city that found itself with mud up to its throat.”
The mayor also referred to her grandfather, Piero Bargellini, mayor during the flood, underlining his extraordinary commitment:
“He occupied a special place together with the many Florentine citizens, who flocked from many parts of the world. For the Florentines he will remain the mayor of the flood.” Bargellini coordinated the work and relief efforts tirelessly, working 24 hours a day to draw global attention to the tragedy.
Sara Funaro highlighted the importance of critical reflections on current urban planning solutions:
“We must become aware of the need to change some urban planning solutions of our city. We must pay attention to the construction phase of our city.” In the afternoon, a communication dedicated to November 4, 1966 will be held in the City Council, thus continuing the memory and reflection on an event that profoundly affected Florence.
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