An important day, that of On 23 January 1938, remembered in the cave, in the presence of the wife of Franco Anelli jr (son of the speleologist who first descended into the Grave), Mrs. Luciana Anelli, the daughter of Vito Matarrese, Mrs. Vittoria, and other representatives of the Matarrese family.
In front of the bust of Franco Anelli, Mayor of Castellana Grotte Domi Ciliberti and President of the Castellana Grotte Serafino Ostuni, together with some municipal councilors, the president of the municipal council and two fifth-year classes from the local elementary schools “G. Tauro” and “Angiulli”, emotionally explained what the caves represent for them and for all the citizens.
< Domi Ciliberti, addressing the children present, "is one of the aspects that most guides our work, along with protecting the karst heritage and promoting it appropriately. Anelli and Matarrese have revealed something extraordinary to Castellana and the world, an incredible gift from Mother Nature, a heritage we are called to preserve and enhance. We feel a sense of pride and belonging towards the Castellana caves," he concluded, "a sense of gratitude towards Anelli and Matarrese, because driven by great curiosity, they discovered a heritage that makes us all happier and prouder."
Following, along with the children's songs, their thoughts on the wonder of stalactites and stalagmites, on Professor Franco Anelli's thirst for knowledge and courage, and on the determination and curiosity of their fellow citizen Vito Matarrese.
The event concluded with a blessing from Don Giovanni Amodio, archpriest and parish priest of San Leone Magno, and Don Antonio Napoletano, parish priest of the Church of the Savior, who offered a reflection on the wonder of creation and the enchantment of nature's power.
