Solferino, Italy – 27 June 2026
The village of Solferino will once again be illuminated this afternoon as thousands of volunteers, staff, youth and supporters from Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies around the world gather for the traditional Fiaccolata, one of the most symbolic events of the Movement.
The torchlight procession commemorates the events following the Battle of Solferino in 1859, when local residents responded to the suffering of wounded soldiers with the call “Tutti Fratelli” – “We are all brothers.” This spirit of humanity inspired the vision of Henry Dunant and eventually led to the creation of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
This year’s Fiaccolata carries additional significance following the soft launch of the global initiative “Light in the Darkness”, introduced at the Solferino Camp by IFRC Under Secretary General Xavier Castellanos. The initiative seeks to inspire people everywhere to become beacons of hope, peace and solidarity through acts of humanity, dialogue and social cohesion.
As participants walk from Solferino to Castiglione delle Stiviere carrying their torches, they will not only honour the origins of the Movement but also reaffirm their commitment to alleviating human suffering and promoting peace in communities across the globe.
For the Red Cross Society of Seychelles and other National Societies taking part, the Fiaccolata remains a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, compassion and collective action can bring light, hope and dignity to those most in need.
