International Holocaust Remembrance Day is a time to honor the victims of the Holocaust and reflect on the importance of preserving memory to prevent such atrocities from happening again. The date commemorates the liberation of Auschwitz on January 27, 1945, and has been recognized globally by the United Nations since 2005.
Florence offers a rich program of events this year (January 27, 2025), blending history, art, and reflection. For visitors, these initiatives provide a meaningful way to engage with the city’s cultural and historical heritage.
A Message from Florence’s Mayor
Mayor Sara Funaro emphasized the city’s commitment to preserving the memory of the Holocaust, stating, “Florence stands as a beacon of culture and remembrance, uniting education and reflection to ensure that the tragedies of the past are never forgotten. This day reminds us of the responsibility we share to fight intolerance and uphold the values of peace, humanity, and solidarity.”
Guided Visits to the Deportation Memorial
The Deportation Memorial, located in the Ex3 space, will host two exclusive guided tours this afternoon at 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM. Managed by MUS.E and the Opificio delle Pietre Dure, the tours offer insight into the restored Memorial, originally displayed in Auschwitz’s Block 21. This immersive installation, designed by notable figures such as Primo Levi and Luigi Nono, narrates the horrors of the Holocaust through an artistic lens. Visitors will learn about its creation and the delicate restoration process. Advance booking is recommended.
“Quartet for the End of Time” at San Salvi
Today and on January 29, San Salvi will present Olivier Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time, a masterpiece composed and first performed in a Nazi prisoner-of-war camp. The performance by Chille de la Balanza takes place in two sessions (7:00 PM and 9:00 PM). This poignant work, accompanied by a gripping historical narrative, resonates deeply with themes of human resilience and hope. Limited seating available; reservations are encouraged (contact: +39 335 6270739 or [email protected]).
Aldo Carpi’s Legacy at the Uffizi Galleries
Art enthusiasts can visit a special exhibition at the Uffizi dedicated to Aldo Carpi, a Jewish painter who documented his internment at Mauthausen-Gusen through sketches and letters. Highlights include three remarkable works from the Uffizi collection and insights into his poignant Diary of Gusen. This exhibit provides a unique opportunity to connect with history through art.
Reflective Reading at Museo Novecento
At 5:30 PM, Museo Novecento invites guests to a reflective journey through Simon Wiesenthal’s The Sunflower – On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness. Abbot Bernardo Gianni and singer-songwriter Letizia Fuochi will discuss its themes alongside readings by students from the Leonardo da Vinci High School. This event combines philosophy, literature, and art in an evocative setting.
Commemoration at Santa Maria Novella
A solemn ceremony will take place at 12:30 PM at Platform 16 of Santa Maria Novella Station, a site from which many were deported during World War II. Wreaths will be laid in memory of the victims, offering a moment of quiet reflection.
Florence’s International Holocaust Remembrance Day events provide an array of opportunities to learn, reflect, and honor the past, making the day both meaningful and memorable for visitors and locals alike.
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