Over the weekend the city center will host the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the re-foundation of the Forlì Alpine group. The association, which has 158 members, will be celebrated by over 300 feathers in felt hats from all over the region, with a program that combines institutional moments, entertainment, the classic parade with a rhythmic step and convivial occasions. “The poster that celebrates the important anniversary – states Carlo Augelli, group leader of the Alpine group – is the work of maestro Franco Vignazia, an artist from Forlì author of ‘The Madonna of the mud’, a popular icon that recalls the tragedy of the flood. We will celebrate together with we invite all the people of Forlì to participate in large numbers in the events that will liven up our city with fun and engaging music and carousels”.
Tomorrow at 6.30 pm there will be the opening of the celebrations with the raising of the flag and the subsequent laying of a wreath at the monument to the fallen in Piazzale della Vittoria. This was followed by a welcome greeting from the Forlì group leader, the mayor Gian Luca Zattini and the president of the Bolognese-Romagna section of the Alpine troops. At 7pm the parade will reach the central Piazza Saffi along Corso della Repubblica accompanied by the Alpine band of Orzano (Udine), with the classic carousel of musicians. Dinner is scheduled for 8pm at the stand set up in Piazza XX Settembre where all interested parties can attend.
“At 9.30 pm – continues Augelli – the concert of the Orzano band will be held at the Fabbrica delle Candele, with free admission and proceeds donated to the Committee for the fight against world hunger”. Sunday starts with the flag raising at 10.30 in Piazza Saffi by the provincial command of the Fire Brigade, laying of a wreath on the tombstone of the fallen under the cloister of S. Mercuriale and delivery of a certificate to 23 founding members of the association.
A message will also be read that General Francesco Paolo Figliuolo, extraordinary commissioner for floods, sent to thank the Alpine group for their constant commitment to volunteering in support of populations affected by disasters or tragic events in Italy and abroad . At 11 am mass in San Mercuriale, followed by a parade of Alpine troops in Piazza Saffi, Via delle Torri, Piazza Ordelaffi, Corso Garibaldi, always accompanied by the notes of the band.
At the end, the speech of the authorities present and the lowering of the flag and the closing of the two days with the final lunch.
Gianni Bonali
