The streets of Genoa, usually defined by their steep inclines and maritime history, became the center of a complex intersection of military tradition and urban friction this weekend. The National Alpini Gathering, an annual event that brings together thousands of veterans and active members of Italy’s specialist mountain infantry, transformed the city into a sea of “penne nere”—the iconic black feathers that adorn the Alpini hats.
While the event is traditionally a celebration of camaraderie and mountain heritage, the 2026 gathering in Genoa has been overshadowed by reports of civil unrest, targeted harassment, and political theater. From bottle-throwing incidents in the historic center to public protests by social centers, the atmosphere in the Ligurian capital shifted rapidly from festive to volatile.
The events highlight a growing cultural divide within Italy’s urban spaces, where the revered image of the Alpini—often seen as symbols of national resilience and sacrifice—clashes with the anti-militaristic sentiments of local activist groups. As local authorities launch investigations into acts of violence, the gathering also faces internal scrutiny following public allegations of misconduct toward women.
Urban Friction: Clashes Between Alpini and Social Centers
The festive mood of the gathering was disrupted by a series of confrontations between Alpini participants and members of Genoa’s “centri sociali” (social centers). These autonomous, often left-wing community spaces have a long history of political activism in the city and have viewed the presence of a large-scale military gathering as a provocation.
Tensions peaked in the city’s historic center, where reports emerged of glass jars and bottles being launched at Alpini veterans who were seated at local bars. These unprovoked attacks on passersby have prompted local law enforcement to open investigations to identify the perpetrators. The violence in the narrow alleys of the centro storico represents a sharp escalation from the typical verbal disagreements that sometimes accompany such large-scale events.
Further friction occurred in Piazza Fossatello, where a march organized by social center activists met with a chorus of whistles and jeers from the gathered mountain troops. The confrontation in the square served as a microcosm of the broader ideological struggle: on one side, the Alpini, who represent a tradition of national service and border defense; on the other, activists protesting the militarization of urban spaces and the historical role of the army in Italian politics.
Allegations of Harassment and the #againstharassment Initiative
Beyond the external clashes, the gathering has been hit by serious allegations of harassment. Alice Salvatore, a former Ligurian regional councilor and former candidate for regional president with the 5 Star Movement, used social media to share a personal account of disturbing behavior she encountered upon arriving in the city.
In a Facebook post titled “Good Gathering to all,” Salvatore detailed an incident on a bus where she felt targeted by participants. She reported being subjected to “tipsy glances” from two men with beer in hand, followed by catcalls and provocative behavior from three older Alpini. Salvatore clarified in subsequent statements to Adnkronos that her testimony was intended as a personal account rather than a generalized attack on the entire Alpini corps, noting that she has participated in previous gatherings as a student.
The incident has reignited a conversation about the culture of these massive gatherings. Salvatore pointed out that the National Alpini Association (ANA) has previously acknowledged these issues, specifically following controversies during the 2022 gathering in Rimini. In response to those events, the ANA launched the #againstharassment project, an internal initiative designed to combat misconduct and ensure the safety and respect of women during their events.
Political Symbolism and the Role of Mayor Salis
Amidst the reports of violence and harassment, the political leadership of Genoa attempted to maintain a facade of unity. Mayor Salis was seen participating in the festivities, including a public moment where she sang along with the “penne nere.”
The image of the mayor singing with the veterans is a potent political symbol in Italy. The Alpini hold significant social capital across the country, often viewed as the “people’s army” due to their history of disaster relief and their deep roots in rural and mountain communities. For a municipal leader, appearing in alignment with the ANA is often a strategic move to signal patriotism and community solidarity.
However, the juxtaposition of the Mayor’s celebratory participation with the reports of bottle-throwing and harassment has drawn criticism from those who argue that the administration is ignoring the darker undercurrents of the event. The contrast between the official singing and the police investigations in the city center underscores the fragmented nature of the current social climate in Genoa.
Understanding the Alpini: A Legacy of Mountain Warfare
To understand why the National Alpini Gathering evokes such strong emotions—both positive and negative—We see necessary to look at the identity of the troops. Established in 1872, the Alpini are the oldest active mountain infantry in the world. Their original mandate was the protection of Italy’s borders with France and Austria-Hungary, a mission that required specialized training in high-altitude survival, and combat.
The corps distinguished itself during World War I, particularly in the brutal “White War” fought on the glaciers of the Alps. This history of hardship and brotherhood is what the National Alpini Association (ANA), founded in 1919, seeks to preserve. The annual gatherings, typically held on the second Sunday of May, are designed to keep these memories alive under the association’s guiding rule: “In order to not forget.”
Today, the Alpini remain a specialist branch of the Italian Army, organized into operational brigades subordinate to the Alpine Troops Headquarters. While their modern missions have expanded to include international deployments, such as in Afghanistan, their domestic identity remains tied to the mountains and the concept of the “mountain man” who endures the harshest environments.
Key Takeaways: Genoa Alpini Gathering 2026
- Urban Clashes: Tensions between Alpini veterans and “centri sociali” led to protests in Piazza Fossatello and bottle-throwing incidents in the city center.
- Harassment Reports: Former councilor Alice Salvatore reported catcalling and provocative behavior on public transport, highlighting ongoing issues with misconduct.
- Institutional Response: The National Alpini Association (ANA) continues to promote its #againstharassment project following similar issues in Rimini 2022.
- Political Alignment: Mayor Salis publicly joined the celebrations, singing with the troops despite the surrounding unrest.
- Law Enforcement: Local police are currently investigating the attacks on passersby in the historic center to identify those responsible for throwing glass objects.
As the gathering concludes, the focus shifts to the legal aftermath of the weekend’s violence. Local authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from the centro storico to identify the individuals involved in the attacks on the Alpini. The incident serves as a reminder of the volatility that can arise when traditional military celebrations intersect with highly politicized urban environments.
The next confirmed checkpoint regarding the unrest will be the release of the preliminary police reports concerning the bottle-throwing incidents in the historic center, expected in the coming days.
World Today Journal encourages readers to share their perspectives on the balance between traditional celebrations and urban activism in the comments below.