Settembrata 1946 parte prima

Settembrata 1946 parte prima

In 1946, in a city devastated by war and in an Italy still occupied by Allied troops, the desire to be together and to have fun was reborn. The Genoese Communist Party organized the first true popular festival in the Nervi park, heir to a custom imported from France by exiles during the years of fascism. This festival was given the name Settembrata. At first, many did not like the name “...it seemed to have something artificial and conventional at the same time” (Adamoli). But then the term “...with its fresh feeling of green and blue, of songs and sounds, and above all with its meaning of popular solidarity” became definitively established.

"In the park of Nervi there will be not only theatre, cinema, bands and dances, not only stands and carousels, but above all the sign of the deep bond that unites the great working masses. The sign of the glorious hopes for a better world! We will all meet again in Nervi, comrades and friends. And every year we must meet again, each year better and more comrades and friends. Someone may have grumbled reading the manifesto with the large red S: 'with so many troubles, there are those who think of organising parties...' (from L'Unità)

The programme was as ambitious as ever: Today at the park of NERVI 8 am Opening of Settembrata 9 am Arrival of the 'naval convoy' from Voltri Prà Pegli and Sestri 9.30 am Performance by the children's company of the Villa section 10 am Children's beauty contest of L'UNITÀ: 'Which are the most beautiful children of Genoa?' and awards. Start of country dancing organised by the Biscuola section 11 am First bocce matches 11.30 am Greasy pole for children. Carousels, swings, small cars, pulled carts, L'UNITÀ exhibition 'how a newspaper is born', caricature exhibition, exhibition of the party's fallen, naval exhibition. 12 pm Picnic lunch (everyone will bring their lunch from home; at the park stands you will find grapes, wine, farinata, potatoes, fried fish, milk, biscuits, etc. etc.) 2 pm Bocce matches 2.30 pm Magic shows for children 3 pm Concert by the UNIUTA PROLETARIA band. Start of all four dances 4 pm Genoese singing teams 5 pm Performance by the children's company of the T. Nischio section. Greasy pole for adults. Waiters' race 6 pm Frog race and tug of war 7 pm Greetings to participants from Minister SERENI and MP NEGARVILLE 7.30 pm Picnic lunch 8 pm Concert by the U.I.T.E. band 8.30 pm Genoese choirs of the six participating teams 9 pm Genoese songs by MARIO CAPPELLO. Dances. Cinema 9.30 pm Lyric: soprano MAZZOLENI, tenor ROVETA, baritone CAZZATO, on piano maestro GAUDENZI 8.30 pm Piedigrotta in costume 11.30 pm Variety company of PIERO PIERI

Gallery

Settembrata 1946 parte prima — Esse

Settembrata 1946 parte prima — ballo