Some 50 people, including survivors and families of victims from the tragic shipwreck off the Calabrian town of Steccato di Cutro, will return to the nearby city of Crotone to commemorate the tragedy of February 26, 2023, which claimed the lives of at least 94 migrants, including 35 minors, with an estimated 10 individuals still reported missing.
The return of survivors and families to Calabria on the first anniversary of the shipwreck has been made possible by the umbrella group Rete 26 febbraio (February 26 Network), comprised of over 400 associations, which funded their journey and coordinated a series of commemorative events from February 24 to 26 to honor the victims.
The calendar of initiatives
On Saturday, February 24, planned activities include a friendly soccer match against racism in collaboration with NGO ResQ People Saving People, endorsed by local football team Crotone Calcio. Additionally, the inauguration of a photo exhibition titled 'I sogni attraversano il mare' (Dreams Cross the Sea), featuring 94 photographs representing each victim, organized by the biweekly Crotonese, will take place at the Museo di Pitagora. A play, 'La renaissance des filles afghanes' (The renaissance of Afghan girls), will also be performed.
Also read: Cutro shipwreck survivors ask for help to reunite with family
On Sunday, February 25, at 3 pm, a march titled 'Per non dimenticare' (so as not to forget) will commence from Piazzale Nettuno, proceeding through downtown Crotone. Demonstrators will stop in front of PalaMilone, which hosted last year the caskets of the victims, and will end at the Pitagora Museum, where a debate will see the participation of the victims' family members and survivors, together with associations, activists and NGOs.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to support the Initiative of European Citizens (Ice) 'Stop border violence' demanding the correct implementation of article 4 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union which prohibits any form of torture or inhumane treatment at Europe's border.
Also read: Italy: Cutro survivors say coast guard chopper flew over them without providing help
The program of February 26 on the 1st anniversary of the tragedy
On Monday, February 26, at 4 am, the time of the shipwreck, a torchlight procession has been organized on the beach of Steccato di Cutro, the scene of the tragedy, promoted by the newsroom of 'Crotone News', with the participation of survivors and family members of the victims who will later meet with the press to talk about their stories, at 9 am at the Museo di Pitagora.
"The events conceived and planned with families and survivors are inspired and led by requests and demands that are clear: humanitarian corridors; efficient and concrete migration policies that respect universal humanitarian rights and everyone's dignity, in particular of those fleeing war, environmental and humanitarian catastrophes, contexts of grave social and economic crises, persecution," explained Rete 26 febbraio.
Also read: Italy: Trial hears voice messages between suspected smugglers and migrants