International Red Cross Torch Relay Begins in Castiglione delle Stiviere

Today begins in Castiglione delle Stiviere the three-day event that will culminate with the torch relay between Solferino and Castiglione delle Stiviere. This is one of the most anticipated gatherings by delegates of the Croce Rossa worldwide, as it represents, for everyone, retracing the streets and places that inspired Henry Dunant to establish the world’s largest and most renowned humanitarian organization.

This year, more than eight thousand delegates are expected in Solferino, where the torch relay will officially commence on Saturday around 7 p.m. The official start of the event, however, is scheduled for this evening at 6 p.m., at the International Museum of the Red Cross.

The mayors of Solferino, Luigi Lonardi, and of Castiglione, Arturo Sigurtà, along with the president of the museum Stuani, will officially welcome the delegations from the Italian and international Croce Rossa.

At the site set up in Castiglione, more than a thousand volunteers are already present, but the largest influx is expected on Saturday morning and afternoon.

Gathering and route of the torch relay

As mentioned, on Saturday afternoon, in the historic Piazza Castello di Solferino, all volunteers and delegates will gather to solemnly light their torches in front of the Solferino memorial, then proceed to Castiglione, crossing first the center of Solferino.