by InTrieste
Preparations are underway in this small town in northeastern Italy for a series of major commemorations marking the 50th anniversary of the devastating 1976 earthquake that reshaped the Friuli region.
Regional officials this week inspected restoration and safety work at the Goi-Pantanali barracks, a military complex that will serve as a central venue for the anniversary’s most prominent public events.
“This intervention is primarily about ensuring safety, given the significant number of people expected for the commemorations,” said Riccardo Riccardi, the regional councillor for civil protection. Over the coming months, officials estimate that between 70,000 and 100,000 visitors could attend the various ceremonies and gatherings planned for the anniversary.
Speaking during a site visit in Gemona del Friuli, Riccardi said the project would not only reinforce infrastructure but also restore parts of the barracks to make the space suitable for the anniversary’s most symbolic moments.
The inspection included representatives of the Italian Army’s 8th Alpine Regiment, regional civil protection authorities and the contractor responsible for the work, the company Di Piazza Vante. Construction began on Feb. 22 and is expected to be completed by April 15.
The regional government has allocated €2 million for the project through a budget provision. Riccardi thanked the Italian Army for allowing the temporary use of the facility, which remains an active military site.
“We will improve the structure and return it in better condition than before,” he said.
The renovation covers an area of about 21,000 square meters. Crews have already dismantled elements of an old training field and replaced electrical poles. One of the most symbolic elements of the restoration will be the repair of the roof of a small chapel donated by Canadians in the aftermath of the earthquake.
About 18,000 square meters of the site will also be repaved as part of the upgrade.
Several major events are planned for the anniversary. Among them is a Mass on May 3 presided over by Matteo Zuppi, the Italian cardinal and president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference. The ceremony is expected to include roughly 40 bishops who, at the time of the 1976 disaster, served as parish priests in the communities affected by the earthquake.
Other highlights will include a free concert by the Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and the start of a stage of the Giro d’Italiacycling race.
Regional civil protection teams and volunteers will play a central role in managing the crowds and ensuring safety throughout the months of commemorations.
“The program will recall the experience of 1976 and highlight a history that is still very much alive for many of us,” Riccardi said.
