by InTrieste
The President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, will attend a special session of the regional council in Friuli Venezia Giulia on May 6, marking the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Friuli earthquake, regional officials announced on Wednesday.
The commemorations will take place in Gemona del Friuli, one of the communities most severely affected by the earthquake, which killed nearly 1,000 people and reshaped the region’s social and economic fabric.
In a statement, the governor of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Massimiliano Fedriga, described the president’s participation as a sign of “extraordinary attention” to the region and its history. He expressed gratitude on behalf of the regional administration and residents, noting that the anniversary would serve both as a moment of remembrance and an opportunity for reflection.
The 1976 earthquake remains a defining event in the region’s modern history. In its aftermath, Friuli Venezia Giulia became known for a reconstruction model often cited internationally for its efficiency and strong local involvement.
The May 6 ceremony is expected to underscore themes of resilience, civic responsibility and community cohesion—values that officials say emerged from the rebuilding process and continue to shape the region today.
