Friuli marks 50 years since devastating 1976 earthquake

Commemorations are underway in Friuli to mark the 50th anniversary of the devastating 1976 earthquake, which resulted in 990 deaths. The anniversary includes a large-scale interregional civil protection exercise involving volunteers from Northern Italy and partners from Carinthia, Slovenia, and Istria.

In Gemona del Friuli, the event serves as a practical verification of safety protocols and a tribute to the history of emergency rescue. The exercise saw participation from various volunteer organizations, including the Sicilian ODV APCARS, and was attended by officials such as Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci and Friuli Venezia Giulia Governor Massimiliano Fedriga.

Complementing the official ceremonies, the Ente Regionale Teatrale (ERT) is launching a documentary titled ‘1976–2026 La forza dei legami’. The film focuses on the cultural rebirth that occurred during the reconstruction period, highlighting how theater and community arts acted as social glue. Free screenings of the documentary will take place in six regional theaters from October 20 to November 12.