As the city of Biella gears up for the 96th National Alpini Gathering, a comprehensive health plan has been approved to ensure public safety during the event. This gathering, set to take place from May 9 to May 11, 2025, is expected to draw a staggering 400,000 attendees to a city of just 40,000 residents. The health plan aims to safeguard ordinary health services while bolstering hospital and territorial resources to handle the influx of visitors.
Developed through collaboration among key institutional and rescue actors—including the Technical Table of the National Alpini Gathering, Azienda Zero, ASL BI, the Prefecture of Biella, the Municipality of Ponderano, the Red Cross, and other local associations—the plan outlines a robust response to potential health emergencies. The Ospedale degli Infermi in Ponderano will reorganize care activities, providing 30 beds for acute pathologies and an additional 20 beds for emergencies near the Emergency Room.
Staffing at the hospital will be reinforced with specialists in Emergency Medicine, Surgery, Orthopedics, and other critical areas. The ASL BI has also enhanced support services, including information systems and reception, with volunteers from the AIL of Biella assisting in welcoming attendees.
Despite not being located in a limited traffic zone, the hospital anticipates challenges in accessibility due to the expected surge in visitors. To further support the event, CISOM (Italian Relief Corps of the Order of Malta) will deploy 39 trained volunteers from various regions to provide health security, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the gathering.
Massimo Cortesi, director of "L'Alpino," introduced the event with enthusiasm, emphasizing the unique opportunity for Biella to showcase its hospitality. Mayor Marzio Olivero expressed excitement about the gathering, hoping it would leave a lasting impression on both Alpini and local citizens. The Alpini of Rivoli will also participate, contributing to a mosaic of values and solidarity that defines the event.
The gathering not only serves as a tribute to the history of the Alpini but also as a platform for solidarity, with representatives from various regions converging to honor their shared heritage. Among them, Aronne Platto and Nicola Zotti, two 48-year-old Alpini from Berlinghetto, are making their way to Biella on foot, covering 25 kilometers a day. Their journey symbolizes resilience and is dedicated to those who cannot attend due to health or age.
As the two Alpini approach Biella, they reflect on the warmth and support they have received along their route, which has been challenging due to inclement weather. Their trek is not only a physical challenge but also a metaphor for overcoming difficulties together, embodying the spirit of camaraderie that the Alpini are known for.
In the lead-up to the gathering, local preparations are in full swing. The encampment of the Taurinense Alpine Brigade at La Marmora Stadium is set to accommodate up to 300 personnel, providing essential support services. The brigade will ensure that food and assistance are readily available to military personnel and attendees alike.
Traffic patterns will be adjusted for the duration of the gathering, with local authorities implementing measures to manage the expected influx of visitors. Crosetto and La Russa are anticipated to attend, while the presence of Prime Minister Meloni remains uncertain. The event will also feature exhibitions, concerts, and a parade that showcases the rich history and traditions of the Alpini.
The Alpini have a storied legacy of service, demonstrated by their significant contributions in the past year, including over 5 million euros in donations and more than 2 million hours of volunteer work. This commitment to community service is a core value that will be on full display during the gathering.
As Biella prepares to welcome its guests, the anticipation is palpable. With various groups from the Brescia area set to arrive to assist with the festivities, the city is ready to embrace the spirit of the Alpini. The official opening ceremony will commence with a flag-raising at Piazza Duomo, followed by the inauguration of the Alpini and Civil Protection citadels.
The gathering promises to be a memorable experience, not only for the participants but also for the residents of Biella. It is a chance to showcase the city’s hospitality and pride, transforming a small town into a vibrant hub of activity and celebration.
As the Alpini march through the streets of Biella, they carry with them stories of bravery, sacrifice, and community spirit. The gathering is more than just an event; it is a celebration of shared history and values that bind the Alpini and the people of Biella together.
This year's gathering is expected to set new records, following last year's event in Vicenza, which attracted half a million attendees. The enthusiasm and participation in Biella are anticipated to reflect the same spirit of unity and pride that the Alpini have always embodied.
In conclusion, the 96th National Alpini Gathering in Biella is poised to be a remarkable event, showcasing not only the rich traditions of the Alpini but also the collaborative efforts of local organizations and volunteers. With health and safety measures in place, the city is ready to welcome an unprecedented number of visitors, promising an unforgettable experience for all involved.
