Murat Castle to be illuminated for Fragile X Syndrome awareness

In Calabria, Italy, landmarks including the Murat Castle in Pizzo Calabro and the Madonnina Obelisk in Lamezia Terme will be illuminated in blue on October 10 to mark European Fragile X Syndrome Day.

This initiative aims to raise awareness for Fragile X Syndrome, a rare hereditary genetic condition caused by an alteration of the FMR1 gene on the X chromosome. The condition can lead to intellectual disabilities, cognitive difficulties, learning challenges, and in some instances, symptoms associated with the autism spectrum.

Salvatore Durante, president of the Calabria section of the Italian Fragile X Syndrome Association, stated that the lighting is a symbolic gesture intended to bring the condition out of invisibility and into the public space. The goal is to encourage dialogue regarding the rights, needs, and autonomy of affected individuals beyond their medical diagnosis.