Thousands commemorate Mussolini's rise as far-right sentiments continue to sweep across Europe
![Neo-fascists seen saluting former Italian dictator Benito Mussolini's resting place.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AAYNy3NG5hLZxdNKDSKS3-415-80.jpg)
As far-right political parties continue to gain traction in countries across Europe, thousands of Italians on Sunday marched to the crypt of Benito Mussolini in celebration of the fascist Italian dictator, The Associated Press reported.
The crowd, estimated at between 2,000 and 4,000 people, descended on Mussolini's final resting place in the town of Predappio. Many within the crowd could be seen with fascist symbols and flags, and were reportedly heard singing Italian colonial-era hymns. The crowd had gathered to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the March on Rome, in which members of the National Fascist Party overran the Italian capital and forced the nation's king to hand total power to Mussolini.
While Mussolini is often considered among the 20th century's most brutal despots, the march on his grave mirrors the rise in far-right and neo-fascist movements that have been seen both in Italy and across Europe.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Far-right movements have been gaining significant traction even in long-held liberal countries such as Sweden. Italy itself recently saw a return to far-right control for the first time since the Mussolini era, following the election of Giorgia Meloni as its next prime minister. Meloni's far-right Brothers of Italy party evolved from post-World War II fascist sentiments.
However, not everyone in Italy appeared to welcome the far-right groups with open arms. Prior to the march on Mussolini's grave, nearly 1,000 anti-fascist activists reportedly celebrated Italy's 1944 liberation in a massive rally on Friday.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other Hollywood news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.
-
Red Speedo: a 'darkly comic' doping drama
The Week Recommends Lucas Hnath's play stars Finn Cole as a 'reptilian' swimmer determined to win at all costs
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
One Aldwych: where London's creative spirit takes centre stage
The Week Recommends This five-star Covent Garden hotel is the epitome of elegant independence
By Julia O'Driscoll, The Week UK Published
-
Charlotte Dujardin and equestrianism's dark side
In the Spotlight Olympic gold medallist and dressage star's suspension over horse whipping brings abuse in horse sports back into the spotlight
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Menendez convicted of bribery, fraud, and extortion
Speed Read The New Jersey Democratic Senator was found guilty in a federal corruption trial
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Florida judge dismisses Trump documents case
Speed Read Judge Aileen Cannon ruled that special counsel Jack Smith was improperly appointed
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
How could J.D. Vance impact the special relationship?
Today's Big Question Trump's hawkish pick for VP said UK is the first 'truly Islamist country' with a nuclear weapon
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Hamas says military chief survived Israeli strike
Speed Read An Israeli bombing failed to hit its intended target, military commander Mohammed Deif, but killed at least 90 Palestinians
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Biden, Trump urge calm after assassination attempt
Speed Reads A 20-year-old gunman grazed Trump's ear and fatally shot a rally attendee on Saturday
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
First Israeli report on Oct. 7 finds 'severe mistakes and errors' in IDF response
Speed Reads Israeli military admits failures in response to deadly Hamas attack that triggered Gaza war
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Biden saw neurologist during physicals
Speed Read Following his bad debate performance, many are asking questions about the president's brain
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Russia bombs Kyiv children's hospital
Speed Reads The daytime barrage interrupted heart surgeries and killed at least 40 people
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published