Naples returns to celebrate the memory of Ciro Colonna, the 19-year-old killed in a Camorra ambush in 2016 in Ponticelli, with a series of initiatives that tell a story of pain, but also of hope and collective commitment. The memory of Ciro, an innocent victim of organized crime, is transformed every year into a day dedicated to reaffirming life, culture and education as antidotes to the dangers of the Camorra.
On Saturday 7 June 2025, the activities will begin in the early hours of the morning at the small field named after him, in the heart of the eastern district of Naples, where volunteers and young people will gather for a symbolic cleaning of the space that for years has been a point of reference for the kids of the area. During the morning, a parade will lead the participants to the multifunctional center "Ciro Colonna", a lively and pulsating space of sociality and culture, the scene of workshops, musical performances and artistic performances that involve the new generations of East Naples, with the aim of offering concrete and positive alternatives.
The center represents the fruit of long and hard work, born from the pain and anger of a wounded community but determined not to give up. There, families, educators, associations and institutions collaborate every day to create opportunities for growth, aggregation and discovery, especially for those kids who risk being swallowed up by violence. Ciro's memory is not just a memory, but a living commitment, a push to "cure" the territories to offer tools and spaces in which the youngest can rediscover their talents and imagine a different future.
The words of the organizers and representatives of the entities involved underline the importance of these places in a difficult context like that of East Naples, where the street is often the only alternative for many young people. The multipurpose center, which bears the name of Ciro Colonna, thus confirms itself as a stronghold of hope, culture and daily struggle against the criminal logic that still threatens the social fabric today. Between artistic interventions, silkscreen workshops, music and social cooking, the community gathers around the memory of Ciro, transforming memory into an act of resistance and rebirth.
Article published on 6 June 2025 - 16:44
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The initiative is very important and makes us reflect on how Ciro's memory can help fight violence. We hope that more young people will participate in these events to feel part of the community and improve their future.