Marcia Perugia-Assisi della pace e della fraternità
Again this year, Umbria hosts the march for peace: Sunday, 9 October 2016 (Departure at 9:00 from Perugia, Giardini del Frontone; conclusion at 15:00 in Assisi, Rocca Maggiore).
The March for Peace is an important event in Umbria, witness to the commitment of Umbrians to building a better world. Why a march? This is the core feature of this demonstration: as we walk, we spend time with other people and we meet new people with whom we share a common goal, peace for all.
And that is what really happens: it is a celebration in which, for a time, we walk together in the same direction. People come from all over Italy but also from other countries: some play music, some dance, others carry banners. Along the way, there are smiles, greetings and everyone talks to everyone else. Of course, there is eating and drinking and there is always music in the background. This is a celebration for the young, a time to do something as a family and an event in which people of all ages participate.
The official route goes from the Giardini del Frontone to the Rocca di Assisi, but one might decide to walk only a few kilometers to enjoy the atmosphere of the celebration. When the procession passes, people who live in houses along the way greet the participants with smiles. Here are the 5 possibile ways to participate:
1. march from Perugia to Assisi (about 24 kilometers);
2. do only part of the March starting from one of the following places: Ponte San Giovanni, Collestrada, Ospedalicchio, Bastia;
3. wait for the arrival of the March at Santa Maria degli Angeli and then walk the rest of the route (about 5 kilometers);
4. wait for the arrival of the March in Assisi at piazza San Francesco and join it for the last kilometer;
5. wait for the arrival of the March at the Rocca di Assisi and be part of the closing activities.
If you happen to be in Umbria at that time, don’t miss the chance to walk part of the way with the colourful procession of the people of peace.
Why did it start? The first march took place on 24 September 1961 on the initiative of Aldo Capitini as a non-violent procession to witness to peace and solidarity among peoples. In Assisi, 20 000 people marched, among whom were Arturo Carlo Jemolo, Guido Piovene, Renato Guttuso and Ernesto Rossi. In the front row beside Capitini were Giovanni Arpino and Italo Calvino . This was the first time the Bandiera della pace or Peace Banner, symbol of non-violent opposition to all wars, was used. Following the first March, Aldo Capitini founded the Movimento Nonviolento.
To learn more, visit the site: http://www.perugiaassisi.org