1996 Versilia Flood Commemoration
Thirty years after the tragedy that devastated Alta Versilia: memory and science in Cardoso di Stazzema
About 1996 Versilia Flood Commemoration
A tragedy that Alta Versilia will never forget
On June 19, 1996, a violent storm system struck Alta Versilia and Bassa Garfagnana. Hundreds of millimeters of rain fell in just a few hours, causing streams to overflow and carry mud, boulders, and debris into the valley. The toll was tragic, with 14 victims and entire villages devastated. The village of Cardoso, a hamlet of Stazzema, was virtually wiped out by the force of the water. The territories of Seravezza, Pietrasanta, and Forte dei Marmi, all in the province of Lucca, were also severely impacted.
Since then, every June 19th, the communities of Alta Versilia gather to honor the victims and ensure they are not forgotten. The commemoration, promoted by the Municipality of Stazzema alongside the other affected towns, has become a deeply felt civic event, blending the solemnity of remembrance with reflection on the relationship between humanity and the land.
The 2026 30th Anniversary
In 2026, the anniversary takes on special significance as it marks thirty years since the tragedy. For the occasion, the Palazzo della Cultura in Cardoso becomes the hub for a dense calendar of events throughout the month of June. The ground floor hosts the photo exhibition "June 19, 1996: Grief, Memory, Rebirth", curated in collaboration with the Historical Institute of the Resistance and Contemporary Age of Lucca, featuring period images, information panels, and works by students from the Stazzema Comprehensive Institute and the Centro Arcobaleno Crea. The upper floor features the presentation of the book "Trust in the Mud", dedicated to the long journey of reconstruction and recovery.
Memory and Science
Alongside ceremonies and survivor testimonies, the program weaves memory with important scientific reflection. The national conference on June 20th addresses climate change, geology, and earth sciences, refocusing attention on hydrogeological risk prevention in a fragile territory like the Apuan Alps.
The Territory
Stazzema, nestled in the Apuan Alps Park in the province of Lucca, is a scattered municipality composed of small mountain villages in Tuscany. Its history is marked by great collective trials, from the memory of the Resistance to that of the flood: this is why the commemoration is not just a tribute to the victims, but an act of identity for all of Alta Versilia.
1996 Versilia Flood Commemoration — edition 2026
The 2026 edition marks the 30th anniversary of the June 19, 1996 flood and offers the richest calendar ever, with the Palazzo della Cultura in Cardoso as the hub. Throughout the month of June, the photo and video-documentary exhibition "June 19, 1996: Grief, Memory, Rebirth" and the presentation of the book "Trust in the Mud" are featured, accompanied by works from students of the Stazzema Comprehensive Institute and evenings of direct survivor testimonies. The weekend of June 19th and 20th focuses on the most solemn moments: wreath-laying, the Memory Relay, the silent torchlight procession, Holy Mass, and the national conference dedicated to climate change.
Programme 1996 Versilia Flood Commemoration 2026
Friday, June 19 — Commemoration
- 10:00 — Pietrasanta Elementary School: wreath-laying for Alessio Ricci
- 13:45 — Cardoso: wreath-laying at the victims' memorial
- 18:40 — Mouth of the Versilia River (Cinquale): start of the Memory Relay heading up the river
- 19:30 — La Rotta (Pietrasanta): stop and moment of remembrance
- 19:55 — Marzocchino (Seravezza): wreath-laying for Valeria Guidi
- 20:30 — Piazza Carducci (Seravezza): meeting and reflection
- 21:00 — Piazza della Vittoria (Ruosina): meeting and reflection
- 21:20 — Pontestazzemese: arrival of the Relay and start of the silent torchlight procession to Cardoso
- 22:00 — Cardoso: Holy Mass in the church
During the evening, Monte Forato is illuminated by 14 torches, one for each victim, while a thousand candles are lit on the riverbed in Cardoso.
Saturday, June 20 — National Conference
The Palazzo della Cultura in Cardoso hosts the conference "Cardoso 2026: Thirty Years Between Flood and Climate Change", moderated by journalist Licia Colò. Announced speakers include: Tuscany Region President Eugenio Giani, climatologist Luca Mercalli, former Civil Protection Chief Franco Gabrielli, as well as the mayors of the time and other geology and earth science experts.
All month of June — Palazzo della Cultura in Cardoso
- Photo and video-documentary exhibition "June 19, 1996: Grief, Memory, Rebirth" (Historical Institute of the Resistance of Lucca)
- Exhibition of works by students of the Stazzema Comprehensive Institute and the Centro Arcobaleno Crea
- Presentation of the book "Trust in the Mud"
- Evenings of survivor testimonies
Highlights 1996 Versilia Flood Commemoration 2026
Prices 1996 Versilia Flood Commemoration 2026
Practical information — 1996 Versilia Flood Commemoration
Getting There
Cardoso is a hamlet of the Municipality of Stazzema (LU), in the heart of the Apuan Alps. By car, take the Versilia exit (A12) and follow signs for Seravezza, Ruosina, and Pontestazzemese; the village is about 25 km from the coast. The nearest train station is Pietrasanta, on the Genoa-Rome line, from where you can continue by car or bus toward the mountains.
Venue and Admission
The hub of the events is the Palazzo della Cultura in Cardoso. Exhibitions and commemorative events are free to attend. The ceremonies on June 19th take place in various locations, including Cinquale, Pietrasanta, Seravezza, Ruosina, Pontestazzemese, and Cardoso.
Tips
Mountain villages have limited parking: it is advisable to arrive early. For the evening torchlight procession to Cardoso, comfortable shoes and a flashlight are recommended.
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Where does it take place — 1996 Versilia Flood Commemoration
Palazzo della Cultura di Cardoso
Palazzo della Cultura, Cardoso, 55040 Stazzema