Ascoli, July 13, 2026 – There is controversy in Ascoli over the traditional Anti-fascist Pasta Dinner on July 26. The Anpi denounces the revocation of the concession of the spaces by the church of the Friars, speaking of an episode that risks turning anti-fascism into a “divisive” element.
But from the diocese comes a different account: no revolt by parishioners, no opposition to the initiative itself, but rather a simple organizational misunderstanding.
And above all, assure Bishop Gianpiero Palmieri and parish priest Father Floribert, the event will still take place in a parish, that of San Marcello.
The Anpi: “Anti-fascism is not a partisan opinion”
According to the Provincial Committee of Anpi of Ascoli, the Parish Council of the church of the Friars would have decided to revoke the concession of the spaces for the initiative, scheduled for July 26 and promoted together with the Collettivo Caciara and the bakery “L’Assalto ai Forni” of Lorenza Roiati. The Collettivo Caciara claims that the decision came “following heavy pressure from some parishioners, who considered the presence of the word ‘Anti-fascist’ on the poster ‘inappropriate’.”
For Anpi this is a serious signal. “Anti-fascism cannot be reduced to a mere partisan opinion, nor to a divisive formula,” states the Provincial Committee, according to which “this is not a simple logistical hitch, but a worrying signal that strikes at the heart of the architecture of the democratic values of the country.”
The association also recalls that “anti-fascism does not belong to a single political faction, but constitutes the historical and legal basis of the Italian Republic” and emphasizes that “without the Resistance there would be no Constitution, universal suffrage, pluralism, and freedoms that everyone enjoys today.”
What is the “Anti-fascist Pasta Dinner”
Anpi also recalls the historical significance of the event: “The Anti-fascist Pasta Dinner is a popular festival born to remember. It recalls the historic gesture of the Cervi family who, on July 25, 1943, celebrated the fall of the regime by offering a meal to the population.” It concludes with a strong warning: “In 2026, considering divisive the very root of our democracy only shows the inability to recognize where our freedom and national dignity come from. There is no room for ambiguity on this.”
The episode inevitably recalls what happened two years ago to Lorenza Roiati, the Ascoli entrepreneur identified by the police after displaying outside her bakery a banner with the writing: “April 25, as good as bread, as beautiful as anti-fascism.”
Decision taken following heavy pressure from some parishioners, who considered the presence of the word ‘Anti-fascist’ on the poster ‘inappropriate’
The bishop: “It will be done, but in another parish”
However, the reconstruction is scaled down by the Bishop of Ascoli, Monsignor Gianpiero Palmieri. “We found a solution and the Anti-fascist Pasta Dinner will be hosted by the parish of San Marcello,” he clarifies.
The Bishop of Ascoli Gianpiero Palmieri
According to the prelate, there was no ideological stance at the origin of the episode: “The parish priest was presented with it as a charity dinner. Then he realized it was a political thing and became rigid.”
Palmieri also denies that there was a protest within the community: “There was no parishioners’ revolt. It was a misunderstanding. No opposing attitude. It will still be held in a parish. In Ascoli we have a gold medal for military valor for partisan activity.”
The parish priest: “They had told me it was a charity dinner”
Also Father Floribert, parish priest of the church of the Immaculate Heart (known precisely as the Church of the Friars), rejects the reading of a political clash. “An association wanted to hold a charity dinner. The parish is open to everyone. I do not look at colors or parties,” explains the parish priest. “Then they put up the poster and we realized it was something completely different. If things had been clear from the start, we would have agreed differently.”
Thus the controversy raised by Anpi remains, but from the diocese comes confirmation that the Anti-fascist Pasta Dinner will not be canceled: the event will still be held in the parish of San Marcello, as already happened last year, again on July 26.
