by InTrieste
In a solemn ceremony held Thursday morning in Trieste’s City Council Hall, local officials and community members gathered to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Yugoslav occupation of the city, which lasted from May 1 to June 11, 1945. The event also marked the fifth official Giornata della Liberazione di Trieste—Trieste Liberation Day—established by the municipal government in 2020 to honor the city’s return to freedom on June 12, 1945.
Often referred to as the “40 Days,” the Yugoslav occupation is remembered for a period of political repression, during which arrests, deportations, and summary executions took place. These events were later cited in the decision to award the city of Trieste the Gold Medal for Military Valor, a prestigious national honor. The medal’s citation highlighted the city’s endurance during what it called a “harsh foreign occupation,” stating that Trieste “suffered with pride the martyrdom of massacres and the foibe, without ceasing to actively express its attachment to the homeland.”
The commemoration was opened by Francesco Panteca, President of the City Council, who emphasized the historical weight of the anniversary.
“We are gathered here today on behalf of the citizens to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the city of Trieste from Yugoslav occupation,” Panteca said. “The significance of this day lies in remembering the end of 40 days of violence, summary executions, and atrocities that deeply affected our citizens. June 12, 1945, when the Yugoslav troops withdrew and Anglo-American forces entered, marked a turning point. The city could breathe freedom once again.”
The Yugoslav administration of Trieste, which began in the final days of World War II, has remained a point of historical contention in the region. While some historians note the broader geopolitical complexities of the postwar transition, many in Trieste continue to view the period as a time of trauma and loss.
The day’s events included speeches, moments of silence, and the laying of wreaths in memory of those who were affected during the occupation. Local officials underscored the importance of preserving historical memory while fostering dialogue and reconciliation.
The City of Trieste has increasingly sought to recognize key moments in its 20th-century history, including through public commemorations such as this one, which aim to honor the experiences of its citizens during times of upheaval and transition.
Though emotions still run deep for some, today’s ceremony reflected a broader effort to remember, reflect, and reaffirm the city’s commitment to peace and democracy.
