Childcare services and job orientation to break down barriers to female employment in Campania
(more…)Tag: Campania
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Campania’s musical bands finally recognized: a new law protects a historic heritage
An official recognition for a century-old tradition
The Regional Council of Campania has unanimously approved the law “Protection, enhancement, and promotion of the band heritage of the Campania Region and the Majorettes Corps,” proposed by Corrado Matera. This initiative marks a significant acknowledgment of a cultural tradition deeply rooted in the region’s history and social fabric. With over 150 musical bands officially recorded and more than 6,000 active musicians, informal estimates suggest that over 10,000 people are involved in this vibrant scene.
More than just music: the social role of band tradition
During his speech before the approval, Matera emphasized that bands are not just an artistic expression but also a means of community bonding, education, and value transmission across generations. This law stems from a listening and discussion process initiated in June 2023, engaging musicians, conductors, and enthusiasts to create a truly representative measure.
“A musical band is identity, history, and community,” said Matera, highlighting the social importance of these groups, especially in small towns. In some municipalities like Salvitelle, almost every household owns a musical instrument, while others host as many as three active bands. The deep-rooted passion for this tradition has even led to the spontaneous creation of museums dedicated to band history.
Key measures of the law: funding, events, and a regional registry
The newly approved law introduces several measures, including:
- The establishment of the Regional Register of Musical Bands and Majorettes Corps, managed by the Directorate General of the Department of Culture and Tourism.
- The creation of the Regional Musical Bands Day, to be celebrated every year on the last Saturday of May, featuring events, conferences, and exhibitions.
- Annual financial contributions for registered groups, supporting the purchase and maintenance of instruments, as well as band competitions and research projects.
- A monitoring and evaluation system, with a financial allocation of €300,000 per year.
A national-level event in the making
With this law, the Campania Region reaffirms the cultural and social value of music, countering modern-day isolation and fragmentation. Musical bands serve as cultural hubs, fostering shared growth and providing opportunities for younger generations.
Matera expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the legislative process, particularly Regional Council President Gennaro Oliviero, President Fiola, and fellow council members. A special thanks went to lawyer Michele Torielloand the music masters who supported the initiative. Matera hopes that the Regional Musical Bands Day will become a nationally recognized event, possibly featuring prominent figures such as Maestro Riccardo Muti.
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Safe holidays: crackdown on illegal fireworks and counterfeit goods in Naples
As the holiday season approaches, the Naples Financial Police has ramped up efforts to combat the sale of illegal fireworks and counterfeit or unsafe products. Coordinated by Prefect Michele di Bari, the operation has achieved significant results in ensuring public safety.
Artisanal fireworks: a safety hazard
In just one month, authorities confiscated over 3,000 kg of explosives, including hand-made firecrackers, bombs, and firework batteries with up to 200 shots. These uncertified products pose serious risks to public safety.
Key incidents include:
- In Frattaminore, more than 15,000 explosive items were found in a store. Two individuals were reported.
- In Cardito, 121,000 fireworks and flammable materials were seized. The Chinese owner of the business was charged.
- In Castel Volturno, a workshop producing illegal fireworks was discovered near residential buildings. Over 20,000 items and barrels of pure explosive powder were confiscated. The 49-year-old responsible was arrested, and the explosives were safely neutralized by bomb disposal experts.
Contraband at Mount Vesuvius
In Somma Vesuviana, two cars loaded with illegal fireworks were intercepted. One individual was arrested, while the other was charged.
Counterfeiting: a widespread issue
Beyond fireworks, more than 1.4 million counterfeit or unsafe products were seized, including phone cases, perfumes, clothing, and Christmas decorations. These uncertified items can pose risks to consumers.
The operation resulted in 11 individuals being charged with counterfeit goods trading and receiving stolen goods, while 25 others faced administrative violations.
A call for a safe Christmas
These operations highlight the commitment of law enforcement to ensuring a safe holiday season. Public cooperation remains vital, and any suspicious activity should be reported to the authorities.
What’s your take on these actions? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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The value of punishment: rethinking the Italian prison system
On December 13, 2024, at 6:00 PM, philosopher Giuseppe Ferraro will present his new book The Value of Punishment and the Unforgivable: A Critique of Penal Reason (Castelvecchi Editore) at the Feltrinelli bookstore in Piazza dei Martiri, Naples. The event will foster a public discussion on the Italian prison system and the profound meaning of punishment.
The debate will feature Lucia Castellano, Director of the Penitentiary Administration of Campania, and Don Franco Esposito, Chaplain of Poggioreale Prison. Together with Ferraro, they will delve into the concept of authentic punishment, not as mere affliction but as an experience that combines care, responsibility, and compassion.
Ferraro argues that Beccaria’s principle of proportionality between “crimes and punishments” no longer meets the needs of today’s penal system. Instead, the focus should shift to the individual experience of punishment, where pain gains personal meaning. This approach is crucial to address the current crisis in prisons, marked by overcrowding, suicides, and systemic violence.
For punishment to be genuine, it must embrace the idea of “forgiveness,” which Ferraro redefines as “for gift”: a responsibility that values life even in the most challenging conditions. This perspective highlights the need for a radical reform of the prison system that merges security with care.
Recent rulings in the murders of Giulia Cecchettin and Giulia Tramontano have reignited discussions on the unforgivable, challenging society to reconsider the essence of justice. Ferraro’s book invites readers to see punishment not just as a legal tool but as a human experience involving prisoners, society, and institutions.
Join the conversation and share your thoughts! Leave a comment in the form below.
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Casa Mehari: a beacon of legality and culture against crime
At Casa Mehari, a property seized from the mafia and now a symbol of community rebirth in Quarto, a series of cultural and social events is underway as part of the program “Casa Mehari in festa: from confiscated goods to community assets.” Funded by the Campania Region, the initiative aims to raise awareness of the value of legality and promote these confiscated properties as community heritage.
Three days of events for reflection and learning
From December 11 to 13, Casa Mehari will host several events focused on memory and dialogue.
- Wednesday, December 11, the program begins with a screening of the film “Fortapàsc” by Marco Risi, depicting the life and tragic fate of journalist Giancarlo Siani, killed by the mafia. The screening will engage students from local schools in a thought-provoking experience.
- Thursday, December 12, the day features the event “Libertà sotto scorta” (Freedom under escort), with journalists like Rosaria Capacchione, Mimmo Rubio, and Vincenzo Iurillo sharing their experiences of working under mafia threats. Representatives from institutions, magistrates, and unions will also participate. In the evening, writer Amedeo Colella will perform “Nisciuno nasce ‘imparato”, a journey through Neapolitan culture, language, and cuisine.
- Friday, December 13, the film “Benvenuti in Casa Esposito”, based on the novel by humorist Pino Imperatore, will be screened. The author will discuss the film’s unique take on mafia themes with students.
A month of cultural and social initiatives
The events will continue through December. Highlights include:
- December 16 and 17, Christmas activities for primary school children.
- December 20, a jazz concert featuring pianist Ergio Valente and his quartet.
- December 27, a concert by Antonello Rondi, celebrating Neapolitan tradition.
Events are free, but reservations are required by calling 347.1594511. A bar managed by the Cooperativa La Quercia Rossa will offer refreshments, and solidarity packs from La Bottega dei Semplici Pensieri will be available for purchase.
Casa Mehari: a symbol of hope
Located in Quarto at Via Nicotera 8, Casa Mehari is dedicated to journalist Giancarlo Siani, who was murdered by the mafia in 1985. Now a vibrant cultural center managed by a temporary association of purpose, it has hosted hundreds of initiatives since its opening in 2022, becoming a cornerstone of community engagement.
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Illegal fireworks: Carabinieri seize “the champion’s bombs”
Police investigation in the Flegrean area
The Naples Carabinieri uncovered a stockpile of illegal fireworks. Their investigation led to a raid in an apartment in Pozzuoli, home to a 24-year-old with no prior record. During the operation, officers seized 486 explosive devices, including the infamous “cipolle”, weighing nearly 50 kilograms in total.
The raid and explosive materials seized
The operation resulted in the confiscation of dangerous explosive materials, often linked to severe accidents during celebrations. Nicknamed “the champion’s bombs,” the explosives were allegedly ready for sale. Thanks to prompt police action, a significant public safety threat was averted.
Arrest and legal implications
The young man was arrested and charged with illegal possession of explosives. This case highlights the crucial role of targeted operations in tackling the trade of illegal fireworks.
Are you concerned about the illegal fireworks phenomenon? Share your thoughts in the comment form below!