by Nina Vaclavikova
Interview: Friuli Venezia Giulia governor, Massimiliano Fedriga
Friuli Venezia giulia announced a full calendar of events celebrating the Alpini, Italy’s storied mountain infantry corps, culminating in a ceremony on November 15 in Piazza Unità d’Italia, where 140 newly trained volunteers will receive the traditional feathered cap that symbolizes their entry into the corps.
The presentation, held at the Regional Government Palace, highlighted the historic role of the Alpini in Friuli Venezia Giulia, particularly their efforts during the 1976 earthquake that devastated the region. Governor Massimiliano Fedriga emphasized the corps’ long-standing commitment to public service, describing the Alpini as bearers of values that “contrast increasing individualism” and reinforce social solidarity.
The ceremony will mark the end of a 12-week training period during which the young soldiers completed military preparation before being welcomed by veteran Alpini from the National Alpini Association. Fedriga expressed hope that Trieste might again host the national Alpini gathering in 2029, noting that year will mark the 75th anniversary of the city’s return to Italy after World War II.
Regional Labour and Training Councillor Alessia Rosolen underscored the advanced training the recruits have undergone, including preparation for extreme environments, peacekeeping operations and disaster response. She noted that modern military technology plays a key role in their work, alongside traditional values such as courage and perseverance.
Speakers from the Italian Army and the National Alpini Association highlighted the close collaboration between the corps and its association, as well as the symbolic significance of Trieste — long seen as a border city and cultural crossroads — for a branch of the military historically tasked with operating in mountainous frontier regions.
The program, organized by the Alpine Troops Command in Bolzano and the Alpine Training Center in Aosta with support from regional institutions, will include mountain exercises across Trieste and the surrounding Friuli region, school visits, and commemorations at the war memorials of Redipuglia and Oslavia. Two national symposia are also planned: one on Arctic issues and another on civil protection in the context of the 50th anniversary of the 1976 earthquake.
Cultural events round out the schedule, including talks with distinguished military alpinists at historic cafés and a marching performance by the Fanfara of the Julia Alpine Brigade on November 14. The cap-presentation ceremony on November 15 in Piazza Unità d’Italia will be preceded the night before by a traditional vigil at the Monte Grisa Sanctuary overlooking the city.
