In a poignant commemoration of Maria Chindamo, an entrepreneur who disappeared on May 6, 2016, a significant event took place in Limbadi, a town in the province of Vibo Valentia. Maria, a victim of the 'ndrangheta, has become a symbol of resilience and hope for a new Calabria, nine years after her tragic disappearance.
On May 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM, the initiative "Illuminiamo noi le terre di Maria" was held, marking the anniversary of her disappearance. The event was attended by local authorities, including Justice Minister Carlo Nordio and Undersecretary of State for the Interior Wanda Ferro, who both emphasized the importance of remembering Maria and the fight against organized crime.
Minister Nordio sent a heartfelt message to the organizers, stating, "In the darkness of Maria Chindamo's murder, paradoxically, there is the light of redemption. Today, she has become the symbol of a new Calabrian society that does not bend to the rules of a violent patriarchy and does not accept the oppression of bloody and 'ndrangheta cultures." He further noted that the state stands by the family and friends of Maria, making it clear that they are not alone in this battle.
The event featured the inauguration of a commemorative sculpture and a garden in front of Maria's farm, the site of her disappearance. Designed by students from the Istituto d'istruzione superiore of Vibo Valentia, the garden serves as a living memorial to her legacy. During the ceremony, an excerpt from the theatrical performance "Se dicessimo la verità" was presented, which tells Maria's story and is created by Giulia Minoli and Emanuela Giordano.
Maria Chindamo was 44 years old when she was kidnapped and murdered, with her remains reportedly fed to pigs—a brutal act that highlights the violent realities faced by those who stand against organized crime. Her brother, Vincenzo Chindamo, has been a tireless advocate for her memory, stating, "The life of the dead is in the memory of the living," echoing Cicero's sentiment. He emphasizes the importance of transforming anger into hope and community solidarity.
The tragic circumstances surrounding Maria's death involved a mix of organized crime and patriarchal violence. She was accused of causing the suicide of her ex-husband, Nando Punturiero, who took his life in 2015. One year later, on May 6, 2016, Maria was murdered, allegedly as an act of revenge against her. The only defendant in the case, Salvatore Ascone, is believed to be connected to the Mancuso crime family.
Despite the slow progress of the legal proceedings—where only one witness has been heard so far—the community continues to rally around Maria's memory. The annual commemoration has become a significant event, attended by family members, local officials, and various organizations committed to social justice and anti-mafia efforts. Groups such as Libera, GOEL, and the Women’s Studies Center at the University of Calabria have all played a part in honoring her legacy.
The gate of Maria's farm, once a site of horror, now stands as a testament to resilience and hope. It symbolizes the community's commitment to fighting against the oppressive forces of the 'ndrangheta. As the prosecutor of Vibo Valentia, Camillo Falvo, stated during the ceremony, "This day represents the affirmation of the state's presence in a territory where the 'ndrangheta has dictated law for years." He also acknowledged the importance of the event in fostering a sense of community and solidarity.
Wanda Ferro, the Undersecretary of State, expressed gratitude to those who fight daily against organized crime, referring to them as the "beating heart of our courage." She highlighted the importance of remembering Maria and the need for continued efforts to combat the culture of violence that led to her tragic fate.
Vincenzo Chindamo, who has taken on the role of guardian of his sister's memory, emphasized the transformative power of community. He stated, "They wanted to scare us, divide us, and sow terror. But today I see the sense of the state, I see it in the students, magistrates, and citizens. We have said: enough fear. We control this land." This sentiment resonates deeply within the community, as they continue to gather each year to honor Maria and reaffirm their commitment to justice and legality.
The event is not merely a remembrance; it is a call to action. It serves to inspire and mobilize the community against the backdrop of organized crime and patriarchal oppression. The newly inaugurated garden and sculpture are intended as symbols of hope, representing the possibility of rebirth and renewal in a region too often associated with violence and despair.
As the sun shone down on the gathering, the atmosphere was charged with emotion and determination. The community's collective memory of Maria Chindamo is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality in Calabria. The initiative "Illuminiamo noi le terre di Maria" is a testament to the resilience of a community that refuses to be silenced by fear.
In the words of Giulia Minoli, one of the creators of the theatrical performance, "Illuminating May 6 is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a political, cultural, and human act. It unites memory and future, transforming a place marked by violence into a space of light, justice, and rebirth." This powerful message encapsulates the spirit of the day and the enduring legacy of Maria Chindamo.
