Felice giorno dell'indipendenza Italia!

April 25, 1945 marks the day that Italy was declared free at the end of World War II!  Since then, every year on April 25, Italy celebrates their independence.  It was so amazing to be here during their celebration, since American forces helped in liberating the Italian people.  Siena celebrated by having a military parade that started close to Piazza Gramsci and marched through the streets to Piazza del Campo.

Following the military personnel, there were many members of the community singing "Bella Ciao," which was also sang by Italian resistance during WWII.  Once the parade reached Piazza del Campo, speeches were given honoring the lives that were lost in order for Italians to have the freedom they enjoy today.  I was honored to hear that American allied troops were mentioned in the speech.  It makes me really proud to be an American when I think back on all of our history, which often mixes with the history of other countries, such as Italy.  I was also proud of myself that I was picking up on some of the words used in the speeches (which were in Italian)!

This weekend was also the first contrada celebration!! Starting this weekend and going up until the Palio di Siena on July 2, each contrada will have a celebration within their own district.  The Dragon Contrada was the first to go, which is the contrada I currently live in!  It begins by flags being hung all around their section of the city and tonight there was a parade.  Members of the contrada also have a big dinner on Sunday.

Dragon Contrada Flags