In honor of its sesquicentennial, La Nazione will be the focus of
festivities as Tuscany celebrates its local newspaper.
Born on July 8, 1859, La Nazione was the brainchild of the then interim head of the
Tuscan government, Bettino Ricasoli. A fervent believer in Italy’s nationalist
movement, Ricasoli chose the name La Nazione in his hope for a unified country,
a hope that became reality just two years later.
One of the oldest dailies in Italy, La
Nazione is considered an institution, not just a newspaper. Without pause, the
local daily has covered the region’s triumphs and tragedies, intrigues and
innovations, sports and social events.
In announcing the upcoming celebration, president of the regional
council, Riccardo Nencini remarked, ‘These last 150 years have testified to the
life and history of Italy and the Tuscan region. From hard news, sports and
politics to the social service done to citizens, La Nazione is a publication of great value.’
The party begins in January 2009 with an exhibit, called Workwear,
organized in conjunction with Pitti Immagine and curated by Oliviero Toscani
and Olivier Sallard, to be held at Florence’s Stazione Leopolda. In March, at
the Galleria de’ Medici di Palazzo Medici Riccardi, an exhibit entitled La
Nazione 150 prime pagine per 150 anni, will trace the paper’s history.
Throughout the celebration, branches of the Monte Paschi di Siena bank around
the region will display copies of broadsheets and front pages from La Nazione, heralding important local
and national news from years past.
