This morning, around 10:30 AM, citizens of Nice gathered at Garibaldi Square to honor the memory of a local iconic figure: Giuseppe Garibaldi.
As every July 4th, the heart of Nice beats for one man. Today, distinguished guests are present: Francesco Garibaldi, a descendant of Giuseppe Garibaldi, as well as his son, named Giuseppe Garibaldi in homage to the bicentenary of the “hero of two worlds”. A gathering marked by emotion.
Garibaldi, the soul of Nice
A small group of about a hundred people gathered to celebrate the 218th anniversary of the birth of “their Jòusé“. “I’ve been coming to this square for 30 years for him! “, exclaims Marco, with a pronounced Italian accent. He is not alone: a significant number of Italians were determined to attend the tribute to Giuseppe Garibaldi. Francesco Garibaldi was the first to take the microphone: “Let us remember why Giuseppe Garibaldi has always been regarded as one of the greatest heroes of Nice“, he declared with emotion. A complete biography of the protagonist followed.
Born in Nice in 1807, he always maintained a strong connection with his hometown, which he considered Italian even after its annexation to France in 1860. He believed the people of Nice were forced into this unification. A man who fought against the policies of Napoleon III and who earned the respect of Victor Hugo: “a hero of the ideal“, according to him. A passage that Francesco Garibaldi did not fail to mention.
A name that still resonates
Laurence Navalesi, Municipal Councilor in charge of cross-border relations, was also present to represent Christian Estrosi. A 100% Italian speech to celebrate the legacy left by someone who fought for Nice: “An important moment of commemoration for our great Giuseppe Garibaldi because he was a fabulous person“.
Two centuries later, Garibaldi has left an eternal mark. In Nice, a host of institutions bear his name. According to Francesco Garibaldi, he is “a symbol of courage“. After a series of speeches and embraces, the Band of the Nice Municipal Guard played several anthems, starting with Fratelli d’Italia, which some Italians sang until they nearly lost their voices. Ultimately, La Marseillaise, to conclude a ceremony rich with emotions.
