I neri fantasmi di Marcinelle

The black ghosts of Marcinelle: a journey into the memory of Bellunese emigration to Belgium.

An event that touches the heart and history, a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the stories of thousands of Bellunesi who, between 1946 and 1956, left their land in search of fortune in the mines of Belgium.

The meeting, dedicated to the presentation of the book The black ghosts of Marcinelle. History (and stories) of Bellunese emigration to Belgium, edited by Egidio Pasuch, is an opportunity to discover a fundamental page of local and national history.

Through documents, stories, and testimonies, the book offers an in-depth analysis of migration flows, the socio-economic context of the time, and the difficult living and working conditions in the Belgian mines.

The narrative unfolds between statistics and chronicles, bringing to light dramatic events such as mining accidents and the spread of silicosis among Italian workers.

A central moment in the volume is the account of the Marcinelle tragedy of August 8, 1956, reconstructed through articles published by newspapers of the time, including Il Gazzettino and L'Amico del Popolo.

The evening will be enriched by the participation of the author, who will guide the audience through this path of collective memory, giving voice to the stories of those who have personally experienced the sacrifice of emigration.

An emotional journey between past and present, to rediscover the roots of a community that has faced immense challenges with dignity and courage.

Participating means not only getting to know an important chapter of Bellunese history but also reflecting on the themes of emigration, work, and historical memory.

A not-to-be-missed appointment for all those who wish to understand more deeply the indissoluble bond between Belluno and Belgium, between the hopes of the past and the legacies of the present.

The event is free of charge.