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Jasmine Pignatelli's Morse Transmission Marks Vlora Landing Anniversary in Bari

cultural-heritage · 2026-05-04

On August 8, 2019, Bari celebrated the 28th anniversary of the Vlora ship's landing, which brought 20,000 Albanian refugees. Artist Jasmine Pignatelli, born in 1968, performed a unique Morse code transmission that echoed the heartfelt message from former mayor Enrico Dalfino: "They are people, desperate people. They cannot be sent back; we are their only hope." This transmission was broadcast into the ionosphere at 7:30 PM by the Bari section of the Italian Radio Amateurs Association (A.R.I.). Additionally, Francesco Castellani's documentary 'Un posto davanti al Mare' was featured, showcasing the public sculpture 'SONO PERSONE 8.8.1991,' unveiled in May 2019. Mayor Antonio Decaro initiated the transmission, joined by Pignatelli and culture councilor Ines Pierucci.

Key facts

  • Performance by Jasmine Pignatelli on August 8, 2019 in Bari
  • 28th anniversary of the Vlora ship arrival with 20,000 Albanian refugees
  • Morse code transmission of former mayor Enrico Dalfino's phrase
  • Phrase: 'Sono persone, persone disperate...'
  • Transmission by A.R.I. (Bari section) into the ionosphere at 19:30
  • Documentary 'Un posto davanti al Mare' by Francesco Castellani presented
  • Public sculpture 'SONO PERSONE 8.8.1991' inaugurated May 2019 on Lungomare San Girolamo
  • President Cossiga criticized Dalfino's welcome
  • Mayor Antonio Decaro activated the transmission
  • Culture councilor Ines Pierucci present

Entities

Artists

  • Jasmine Pignatelli
  • Francesco Castellani

Institutions

  • Associazione Radioamatori Italiani A.R.I. (sezione di Bari)
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Bari
  • Italy
  • Lungomare San Girolamo

Sources