Italian Red Cross festivals attract large crowds in Acqui Terme, Finale Emilia

Local committees of the Italian Red Cross organised two community festivals to mark the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. In Acqui Terme, the "In Piazza con la CRI" event on May 8‑9 turned the Piazza della Bollentesi into a hub of health‑prevention education, first‑aid drills, blood and organ donation information, and displays of the historic ambulance, the Volunteer Military Corps and volunteer nursing units. The programme also featured the Restoring Family Links service and attracted school groups and the municipal police, civil protection and local organisations.

In Finale Emilia, the Red Cross committee hosted a similar street celebration that drew about 65 volunteers, supported by the Volunteer Military Corps and a delegation of "Crocerossine". Citizens showed strong interest in the displayed rescue vehicles and the volunteer activities. Both events highlighted the Red Cross’s role in promoting solidarity, public health awareness and recruitment of new volunteers in the region.