Rome’s iconic Spanish Steps, a symbol of the city’s rich history and culture, were splattered with vibrant red paint, a powerful and poignant protest against femicide in Italy. The brazen act, carried out by activists from the group Bruciamo Tutto, or Let’s Burn Everything, aimed to raise awareness about the shocking number of women who have lost their lives to gender-based violence in recent years.
As tourists looked on in shock, the activists poured the paint down the 135-step monument, symbolically representing the blood of the victims. The protesters, who went limp and refused to move, were carried away by police, who later detained several of the activists.
The group’s bold action was in response to the brutal murder of 23-year-old Giulia Cecchettin, who was killed by her ex-boyfriend on November 11, 2023. The case sparked widespread outrage and demands for action against violence targeting women. Despite a recent investigation by Venice prosecutors, charges are still pending against Cecchettin’s ex-boyfriend.
In an effort to amplify their message, the activists left behind leaflets bearing the names of the women who have been killed this year, many of whom were victims of domestic violence. Among the victims listed were 40 women who had died since Cecchettin’s tragic fate.
Giulia Cecchettin
The Spanish Steps, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions, have appeared in numerous films, including the classic Roman Holiday and the recent Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning. However, on this day, the steps took on a somber tone as they were hosed down by sanitation workers, washing away the paint and any lingering emotions.
While the protest was undoubtedly disruptive, it was also a necessary wake-up call to the authorities and the public at large. Femicide is a scourge that affects women of all ages and backgrounds, and it is essential that concrete actions be taken to address this issue. The activists’ daring stunt may have been controversial, but it has undoubtedly created a much-needed conversation about the urgent need to protect women from violence.
As Rome’s mayoral candidate, Roberto Gualtieri, aptly put it, “The Spanish Steps are a symbol of the city’s beauty, but today they have become a symbol of the violence and intolerance that we can no longer tolerate.” The protesters’ bold message is one that reverberates deeply, and it is hoped that their efforts will inspire a wider movement to tackle the scourge of femicide in Italy and beyond.
