20,000 participants. 156 municipalities, provinces and regions, 53 schools, 88 national associations, 359 local associations. Rectors from dozens of universities, mayors, students, activists and well-known names such as Alex Zanotelli, Gherardo Colombo, Flavio Lotti and Beppe Giulietti spoke from the stage.

Beyond the numbers, the images and the testimonies of the participants speak of a joyful and relaxed atmosphere, a beautiful atmosphere, popular and current songs, banners with DIY slogans, a large Catholic presence and many young people. All together to say No to sending arms to Ukraine, to the increase in military spending and to all wars, even the forgotten ones that mortify the human race and destroy the planet, to put politics and diplomacy back at the centre, the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace. And “Forward, builders of peace!” was the final greeting and wish of this extraordinary march.

Photos by Franca Deho’, Marco Inglessis and Corrado Alberti.