96th National Gathering of the Alpini: in Biella, 10-12 May 2025, music, memory and Alpine spirit
From 9 to 11 May 2025, Biella will host for the first time in its history the 96th National Gathering of Alpini. A city with a strong bond with the mountains and the Penne Nere, ready to welcome hundreds of thousands of people in an event that mixes memory, identity and a spirit of brotherhood. The motto chosen for this year, “Alpini bearers of hope”, recalls the “Dream of Peace” launched in Vicenza in 2024, but today takes on an even deeper meaning in a time marked by uncertainties and conflicts.
The Roots of Alpini: A Story of Courage and Belonging
Founded on October 15, 1872, the Alpini Corps It is the oldest mountain infantry unit still active in the world. Born to protect the northern borders of Italy, it has become a symbol of courage, tenacity and spirit of sacrifice. Their motto, “Always First” – Always First – embodies the pride and dedication that distinguish them, in peace and in war, in the field and in volunteering.
Among the most iconic symbols of the Alpini is the black pen, pinned on the hat, which varies in type and position depending on the rank and service status. A sign of recognition, certainly, but also of deep belonging. It is not uncommon, at gatherings, to see pens carried with pride by young people, veterans and entire families.
The National Gathering: an event of memory and brotherhood
The first Gathering dates back to 1920, on Mount Ortigara, to remember the fallen of the Great War. Since then, every year in mid-May, thousands of Alpini gather to celebrate their values: solidarity, memory, unity. It is much more than a simple parade: it is a collective event that spans generations, involves entire communities and transmits a message of peace and service.
The central moment of the Gathering is the big parade on sunday, where tens of thousands of Alpini, coming from every corner of Italy and the world, march together in a river of emotions, music, history. From military bands to choirs, from Carnic porters to veterans, each group brings with it a piece of national history.
Biella and the Alpine soul
Biella, located at the foot of the Alps and recognized as an Alpine City since 2021, has a deep mountain vocation and a textile tradition that has shaped its landscape and identity. The local ANA section was born in 1922 and in 2004 saw the election of Corrado Perona from Biella as National President. Today, the city crowns this path by hosting the event most felt by the Alpine people.
The program officially opens on Friday 9 May with the flag-raising ceremony in Piazza Duomo, followed by the honors to the fallen, the inauguration of the Alpini Citadel and Civil Protection. In the evening, the parades of flags and gonfalons will officially welcome the Alpine community, accompanied by the mayor's speech.
Saturday 10th will be the day of the paratroopers launch, of the Holy Mass in the Cathedral and of the itinerant concerts. Sunday 11th, instead, will see the great procession cross the city, concluded by the Passing the cue – the symbolic witness between the host city and the following year's city: Genoa.
The Alpini Citadel: History, Technology and Values
The big news of the 2025 edition is the Alpini Citadel, set up in the Gardens of the Alpini of Italy. It will be an exhibition and interactive area dedicated to the present and future of the Corps, with demonstrations of the combat method, demining robots, tactical vehicles, climbing walls and educational spaces for the youngest. The exhibition, curated by the Taurinense Alpine Brigade, will be divided into three pillars: values, training and technology.
There will be no shortage of historical relics from the National Museum of the Alpini and an exhibition dedicated to the Sunday Courier, with screenings of original short films that tell the story of the lives of today's Black Feathers.
Music, Memory and Alpine Spirit
Choirs and fanfares are the irreplaceable soundtrack of every Gathering, and in Biella too, over one hundred choirs and twenty Alpine fanfares will make the streets and squares vibrate, providing moments of authentic emotion. Music, with its universal language, becomes a vehicle for shared emotions and memories that transcend generations. Such a significant event could only be accompanied by a special postmark: the chosen subject is Monte Camino, with the little church of San Maurizio at 2398 meters, a symbolic place for the Alpini.
The cancellation will be available at the Villaggio dell'Adunata in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, offering collectors and enthusiasts a tangible memento of the event. The 96th Biella Rally will not only be a celebration, but a profound reminder of the founding values of Alpinità: spirit of sacrifice, love for the homeland, solidarity, brotherhood and service. In an era that often loses memory and the sense of community, Alpini come back to remind us that hope is built together, step by step, song by song, pen by pen.
Published by Condoralex
Born Alessandro Generotti, C.le Maj. Parachutist on leave. Military Parachutist Patent no. 192806. 186th RGT Par. Folgore/5th BTG. Par. El Alamein/XIII Cp. Par. Condor.
Founder and administrator of the website BRIGATAFOLGORE.NET. Blogger and computer scientist by profession.
