Vandals Set Fire to Palm Trees in Milan's Piazza Duomo Amid Racist Backlash
Vandals set fire to three palm trees in Milan's Piazza Duomo on the night of Saturday, February 18, 2017, severely damaging one. The palms are part of a temporary green installation designed by architect Marco Bay, commissioned by Starbucks as part of a three-year project for a new megastore in Piazza Cordusio. The installation, approved by the municipality and the Soprintendenza, sparked racist and nationalist protests, including a demonstration by far-right group Casapound with a banner reading 'No all’africanizzazione di Piazza Duomo'. Matteo Salvini tweeted sarcastically about the palms and bananas, while Lega and Forza Italia council members brought inflatable bananas to a city council session. Mayor Giuseppe Sala defended the project despite personal reservations, citing the legitimate bidding process and institutional approval. Historian Philippe Daverio noted that palms have been present in Piazza Duomo since the 19th century, as evidenced by historical photos and paintings.
Key facts
- Three palm trees were set on fire in Piazza Duomo, Milan, on the night of Saturday, February 18, 2017.
- One palm tree was severely damaged and carbonized.
- The palm trees are part of a temporary green installation designed by architect Marco Bay.
- The installation is sponsored by Starbucks, which is opening a megastore in Piazza Cordusio.
- The project was approved by the municipality and the Soprintendenza.
- Far-right group Casapound protested against the palms with a banner reading 'No all’africanizzazione di Piazza Duomo'.
- Matteo Salvini tweeted: 'Palme e banani in piazza Duomo? Follia. Mancano sabbia e cammelli, e i clandestini si sentiranno a casa'.
- Lega and Forza Italia council members brought inflatable bananas to a city council session.
- Mayor Giuseppe Sala defended the project, stating he suspends judgment and that the institutional process was followed.
- Historian Philippe Daverio noted that palms were present in Piazza Duomo in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Entities
Artists
- Marco Bay
- Philippe Daverio
- Cecilia Strada
- Helga Marsala
Institutions
- Starbucks
- Casapound
- Lega
- Forza Italia
- Comune di Milano
- Soprintendenza
- Artribune
- Palazzo Marino
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- Piazza Duomo
- Piazza Cordusio
- Palermo
- Roma
- Hammamet
- Beverly Hills