Starting on September 30, Lampedusa is devoting four days to commemorating the shipwreck of October 3, 2013 in which 368 people died. Organizers have planned several initiatives emphasizing civil engagement.
Hundreds of people including students, activists, artists and witnesses of the tragedy are expected to attend commemoration events on the island. Lampedusa doesn't forget. Twelve years after the October 3, 2013 shipwreck in which 368 people lost their lives, the island will once again host hundreds of youths, witnesses, families and representatives of institutions to turn memory into a shared heritage.
This year, events are dedicated to the theme 'Active Memories' in honor not only of remembrance but also of heritage, commitment and the future.
From the Favarolo pier to Porta d'Europa (Door to Europe), a symbolic site dedicated to memory, from the school Istituto Pirandello to Castello Square, Lampedusa will become a living workshop dedicated to remembrance and rights, from September 30 until October 3.
Read Also10 caskets taken to Porto Empedocle after Lampedusa shipwrecks
A four-day program on the island
Over 650 students from 65 Italian and European schools are expected to arrive, together with 100 professors and principals. They will be joined by over 40 eye witnesses, people who survived the deadly shipwreck, and members of the victims' families who preserve a memory that cannot and must not vanish.
The days will feature events dedicated to remembrance as well as civic commitment: a march to Porta d'Europa to call for an end to deadly migrant crossings, a ceremony to lay a wreath of flowers at sea, as well as a workshop with NGOs, associations and United Nations agencies.
Piazza Castello will host roundtables with journalists, activists and researchers who will talk about Europe, migration and rights.
At night, music and theater performances will give voice to culture and art as tools of remembrance.
Read AlsoCentral Mediterranean deaths at 370 this year, with 300 missing – IOM
'Thread connecting past and future' -- October 3 Committee
"Active memories is the thread connecting past and future," explained Tareke Brhane, president of the Comitato 3 ottobre, the October 3 Committee set up after the tragedy.
"Every name is restored, each story heard, each youth taking part is a seed of justice. Twelve years after the shipwreck, our commitment is for no life and no memory to be lost," he stated.
"We believe that denying dignity to a person means threatening all of humanity," said Francesco Sangregorio, from Italian Buddhist Institute Soka Gakkai.
"For this reason,"he added, "it is fundamental today to defend migrants' rights, with new generations on the frontline, as a starting point to deal with crises and conflicts."
The day of remembrance and hosting takes place under the high patronage of the European Parliament, the Italian State broadcaster's project RAI for Sustainability, Italian copyright-collecting agency SIAE, Italian local autonomies and the municipality of Lampedusa and Linosa. RAI Sicilia and TGR will be media partners. The project is also supported by the Foundation Compagnia di San Paolo and the Cariplo Foundation.
Read AlsoItaly: MPs visit Lampedusa, primary entry point for migrants arriving by sea