Mussolini Anniversary Marked by Subdued Gathering in Predappio, No Roman Salute

Predappio, Italy – The 143rd anniversary of Benito Mussolini's birth was marked by a subdued gathering in his hometown, with fewer than fifty attendees and a notable absence of the usual Roman salute and procession.

Organizers decided to cancel the customary procession, which typically covers the 1.2 kilometers from Predappio to the San Cassiano cemetery where the Mussolini family crypt is located. This decision was attributed to poor weather forecasts and an early morning downpour, despite subsequent sunshine.

Instead of the traditional salute, participants were asked to place a hand over their heart, a request that was widely heeded to avoid legal complications. Among the attendees were Mussolini's great-granddaughters, Vittoria and Orsola Mussolini. Orsola Mussolini addressed the crowd, thanking them and recalling her great-grandfather's dislike for birthday celebrations.

The ceremony included prayers and the customary "presente" (present) called out three times in memory of Mussolini and fallen soldiers of the Italian Social Republic. Following the event, attendees visited the Mussolini family tomb, which was guarded by private security. Law enforcement was present in significant numbers, nearly matching the number of participants.

Meanwhile, the local Forza Nuova headquarters remained open but saw no attendees from the cemetery event, indicating the Mussolini family's continued disapproval of direct political presence. The subdued commemoration contrasted with the bustling souvenir shops selling nostalgic memorabilia, which continued to draw crowds.

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My great-grandfather did not like celebrating his birthday, and for this reason he had forbidden the press to give it prominence, although he received several thousand letters and postcards of good wishes during those days.