Time has passed, but the meaning of certain events remains immutable. It is about the80th anniversary of the Four Days of Naples, an anniversary that is celebrated with the solemnity it deserves and with an eye towards future generations.
The anniversary of the Four Days of Naples
The Four Days of Naples represent more than a simple historical episode. I'm a common heritage which continues to live in the collective consciousness. This celebration is not only a ceremony of remembrance, but also represents a warning for the new generations.
The streets of Naples will be the scene of ceremonies in which citizens and associations they will honor the victims of the nazifascism.
In the period between 27 and 30 September 1943, Naples was the scene of a bold popular uplift. This extraordinary event, known as the Four Days of Naples, represents a fundamental chapter in Italian history, marking the end of oppression Nazi and fascist in the city during the Second World War.
The German occupation and bombings
The city of Naples had already suffered enormously during the Second World War, especially under the scourge of Anglo-American bombings. In addition, the failure of the armistice of Cassibile of 8 September 1943 had aggravated the already delicate situation of the city. German forces had introduced a series of draconian restrictions, including deportations and summary executions, which had thrown the city into a state of terror and confusion.
The spark of insurrection
An attempt by German forces to impose a compulsory labor service for young men it proved to be a resounding failure. Faced with this, the Nazi initiative of a forced roundup on 27 September kicked off a wave of civil resistance. The reaction of the population was not long in coming and marked the beginning of a collective insurrection.
The courage of the Neapolitans: four days of struggle
Le Four Days of Naples saw the participation of people from all social classes and all ages. The clashes began in the neighborhood Vomero, where the partisans, led by figures such as Vincenzo Stimoli, killed a German marshal. The resistance, although it had no formal structure, demonstrated one extraordinary effectiveness, managing to drive out the German forces and liberate the city before the arrival of the Allied troops 1 ° October.
The resistance in the eastern area of Naples
Recent publications in city newspapers have brought to mind that the resistance during those days was not limited to a single area.
The eastern suburbs of the city of Naples became a symbol of resistance which spread to every corner, as if every tile of the pavement still held the echoes of that struggle, with many resisters who fought to save the productive part of the city.
The Germans, during their retreat, passed through the factories to destroy machinery, so the workers ran into the factories during the night to dismantle them and save them.
The resistance to Ponticelli
Ponticelli deserves a special mention. Here, the residents they faced not only anti-aircraft positions Germans, but also teams of sappers charged with destroying everything. Via Ottaviano was the scene of fierce resistance, marking a bulwark against German oppression and paying a very high price in human lives.
The program of ceremonies
To pay homage to these heroes, floral wreath-laying ceremonies are planned in two emblematic sites: Via F. Learnato and Via De Meis. Both ceremonies will have a tone of respect and pride, because Naples does not forget. It's about renewing a collective commitment to the values of freedom and resistance.
- 10.00 hours: In Via F. Learned, near the previous Vetreria Ricciardi (at the entrance to the 2 Torri Complex).
- 11.00 hours: In Via De Meis (formerly known as Via Ottaviano), near the monument of Via Martiri della Libertà.
In both events, citizens e associations they will place bundles of flowers in memory of the countless victims of the Nazi-fascist regime.
