73rd National Gathering of the Bersaglieri

From May 27th to 31st, 2026, Lignano Sabbiadoro will become the beating heart of the Italian Bersaglieri, hosting the 73rd National Gathering. This special edition is dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Friuli earthquake, paying tribute to the fundamental aid and rescue operations provided by the Bersaglieri Corps to the affected population.

Five official days (preceded by two cultural previews) filled with tradition, music, and memory: brass bands (fanfare), parades, solemn ceremonies, and gatherings will bring the Friulian seaside resort alive in a great embrace of community and national pride. Thousands of Bersaglieri from all over Italy and abroad will join citizens and tourists to celebrate the values of solidarity, service, and belonging that define the Corps.

An unmissable event, open to all, to experience firsthand the contagious energy of the marching bands, the emotion of the parades, and the strength of a timeless tradition.

Event Schedule

PRE-EVENTS

MONDAY, MAY 18

• 9:00 PM | Cine City – Cultural meeting with Prof. Michele D’Andrea: “L’Inno svelato” (The Anthem Revealed). A lively, witty journey through history, anecdotes, and curiosities surrounding the Italian National Anthem. Free admission while seats last. Open to everyone.

TUESDAY, MAY 19

• 10:00 AM | Cine City – “L’Inno svelato” cultural meeting with Prof. Michele D’Andrea. Reserved for school groups.

OFFICIAL CALENDAR

TUESDAY, MAY 26

• 10:00 AM | Centro Civico – Handover ceremony of the "Stecca" (the traditional baton) to the Municipality of Lignano.
• 10:15 AM | Centro Civico – Press conference, official presentation of the gathering and the commemorative medal.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27

• 10:00 AM | Piazza Julia (Town Hall) – Flag-raising ceremony and honors to the Fallen.
• 11:00 AM | Centro Civico and City Center – Opening and inauguration of the Exhibitions: “History of the Bersaglieri”, “The Bersaglieri in the Domenica del Corriere”, and “Relics from the Porta Pia National Museum”.
• 9:00 PM | Parco San Giovanni Bosco – “Suoni Cremisi a Lignano” (Crimson Sounds in Lignano) – Concert by the Lignano Band “L. Garzoni”.

THURSDAY, MAY 28

• 4:00 PM | Giardini San Giovanni Bosco area – Grand Opening of the Bersagliere Village.
• 9:00 PM | Bella Italia Sports Hall – Grand Concert: “Note di Penne, Lance e Piume” (Notes of Feathers, Lances, and Plumes).
• 9:00 PM | Piazza Ursella and Piazza Marcello d’Olivo – “Suoni Cremisi a Lignano”: outdoor concerts throughout the town.

FRIDAY, MAY 29

• 10:30 AM | Redipuglia Military Memorial – “For a World of Peace”: Solemn ceremony for the Fallen of all wars.
• 4:00 PM | Piazza Julia (Town Hall) – Arrival of the ANB Medal Collection and the Flag of the 11th Bersaglieri Regiment: Honors, display, and official presentation of the medals to the Mayor.
• 6:00 PM | Parco San Giovanni Bosco – Tribute to the City of Lignano.
• 9:00 PM | Piazza Marcello d’Olivo (Kursaal in case of bad weather) – Grand Gala “Suoni dal FVG con soffi di Piume” (Sounds from FVG with Whispers of Plumes).
• 9:00 PM | Piazza Ursella, Parco S.G. Bosco, and Parco Hemingway – “Suoni Cremisi a Lignano”: distributed outdoor concerts.

SATURDAY, MAY 30

• 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Parco San Giovanni Bosco – Special commemorative Philatelic Postmark.
• 10:00 AM | Duomo San Giovanni Bosco – Holy Mass.
• 12:00 PM | Gemona – Start of the 20th stage of the Giro d’Italia, preceded by 4 Bersaglieri Cyclist Patrols (San Donà, Marca Trevigiana, Palmanova) and the Fanfara of Roccafranca.
• 4:00 PM | Honors to the Fallen by the Chief of Defense Staff.
• 4:30 PM | Bella Italia Village Football Field – Military Gymnastics Exhibition (11th Bersaglieri Regt.) followed by the Tattoo of Bands and Fanfares (with potential international guest bands).
• 8:30 PM | Town Squares – “Suoni Cremisi a Lignano”: town-wide concerts (P.za M. d’Olivo, P.za Ursella, Parco S.G. Bosco, Parco Hemingway, P.za Fontana, P.za Gregorutti/Faro Rosso).
• 10:00 PM | Piazza San Giovanni Bosco – Grand closing performance.

SUNDAY, MAY 31

• 8:00 AM | Gathering of participants in designated areas.
• 9:00 AM | End of guest arrivals. The first parade blocks begin to move.
• 9:15 AM | Flyover by the National Aerobatic Team (Frecce Tricolori)
• 9:30 AM | Honors to the Highest Authority and official start of the ceremony.
• 10:00 AM | Grand Parade of the Bersaglieri. Following the parade: the traditional "Passaggio della Stecca" ceremony, honors to the Highest Authority, and the Lowering of the Flag to close the National Gathering.
• 8:00 PM | Piazza Ursella and Parco S.G. Bosco – Potential closing performances by foreign bands.