San Giorgio witnessed two remarkable cultural events recently, illustrating both historical remembrance and female empowerment. On February 28, the Alpini group hosted its final event of the cultural Friday series at the Baita degli Alpini, with the evening dedicated to the significant tragedies of World War I.
Organizers aimed to reflect on the devastating consequences of the war, termed by Pope Benedict XV as "that senseless slaughter". With over 500,000 young men killed and educational pursuits halted due to the flu pandemic, the war left countless families grieving for soldiers who never returned home. Many households relied on these young men, leaving jobs vacant across industries and agriculture. Consequently, women stepped up courageously, not only managing familial responsibilities but also filling these societal gaps.
Matteo Pizzini, representative of the San Giorgio Alpini cultural group, crafted this event to coincide with International Women's Day on March 8, paying tribute to women's sacrifices both during and post-war. The evening would be led by Professor Giovanni Tosi, affiliated with the cultural circle Mario Balestrieri – ANA Verona, who is set to share insights and stories reflective of this pivotal historical period.
Simultaneously, another exciting event took place as Morena Tartagni, renowned for her achievements as the first Italian woman to earn accolades on the international cycling stage, recounted her life story through the lens of her book "Volevo fare la corridora". Author Gianluca Alzati conducted the dialogue, stemming from personal interactions and reflections shared during the event.
Tartagni, who made waves at just 19 years of age with her podium finish at the 1968 World Championships, is celebrated for breaking barriers for women in sports, marking the first recognition of female participation within the cycling federation. Her impressive array of accolades includes over 100 victories, medals at significant world championships, and local political engagement promoting women’s rights.
The cultural evening offered attendees not only the chance to hear about her groundbreaking contributions to sports but also about her activism, emphasizing the themes of women's empowerment and societal rights. Tartagni's story reflects the broader narrative of women's perseverance and strength, which holds resonance even today.
During the event, Tartagni reminisced about milestones throughout her career, shedding light on how her background of modesty contributed to her drive. She fondly recalled biking journeys with her family, traversing distances to familial engagements and races. An inspiring moment of generosity from Russian cyclist Konkina highlighted international camaraderie, as Konkina offered her winning jersey and gold medal after realizing Tartagni’s struggles during competition.
The gathering created heartwarming connections between attendees and speakers, as expressed by Tartagni, who shared her deep gratitude for the community's support throughout the years.
“A special thanks for never forgetting me and allowing me to relive my past with the same enthusiasm,” Tartagni remarked. The evening proved to be not just about nostalgia but also about inspiring the next generation to pursue their dreams, much like she had.
Such events remind us of the impact of history and personal experiences, beautifully intertwined at the core of San Giorgio’s cultural fabric, capturing the essence of community spirit.