The
Portella della Ginestra massacre was one of the more violent acts in the history of modern
Italian politics, when 11 people were killed and 27 wounded during
May Day celebrations in Sicily on May 1, 1947, in the municipality of
Piana degli Albanesi. Those held responsible were the bandit and separatist leader
Salvatore Giuliano and his band – although their motives and intentions are still a matter of controversy.