The Grifone (griffon vulture), as Genoese call the team because of a griffon on its emblem, was celebrated with music, events, gatherings and a lot of joy. First, at the stroke of midnight there was a great fireworks display in the center, after the supporters had gathered around Piazza De Ferrari, Genoa’s main square. A spectacular choreography could be seen along the main road, in via XX Settembre.
Torches, lights and smoke bombs for the choreography
It was organized by the fan club of the team and it involved many supporters who formed the name ‘GENOA’ with people along the road, which was closed to traffic for the occasion.
It stretched from the main square to the triumphal arch and the result was very impressive.
They used torches, lights and smoke bombs for the choreography and the fireworks display illuminated the sky at the same time.
Once the fireworks were over, the supporters and passers-by moved in procession to Via Palestro, the place where, 130 years ago , the oldest club in Italy was born.
The Genoa club is indeed the oldest in Italy and people say it is one of the best because the supporters really help each other as family.
For its anniversary, a fundraiser in favor of the Gaslini children hospital was also planned. The objective was to reach a good amount and enable the hospital to purchase important equipment and implement its technological potential, sealing a partnership between the team and the hospital that has consolidated over the years.
Just a few months ago, a young Genoa team supporter, a child affected by cancer, was treated by such hospital and helped by the club. Her family received money collected by the team and its supporters to help her get treatment also abroad, in the United States.
Unfortunately, the little girl did not make it due to the seriousness of the illness but it was a great moment of unity to see how they helped each other and how the girl was first encouraged and then remembered on banners and signs at the stadium during the matches.
Less than 24 hours after the show of lights and colors and fireworks organized by the fans, on September 7th the official party was held in Genoa for the 130th anniversary of the football club. The appointment was held in the evening at the Porto Antico (old harbor), in the Aquarium area, where fans were able to join the team and staff for the celebrations.
Big anniversary for the team and the city
In the city you can also visit the Museum of the History of Genoa, which is becoming increasingly accessible for children and families with new fun and interactive displays for children.
The displays were created to stimulate children's passion for football through interactive and fun activities.
The Griffon, symbol of the team and half eagle and half lion, is the guide animal of the children itinerary through the museum and accompanies visitors through the three main areas of the place.
At each stop, children have the opportunity to discover the history of the football club and have fun with creative activities.
Furthermore, each child receives a visit kit to stimulate creativity and play together.
Genoa’s other team is Sampdoria.
Genoa Football Club and Sampdoria share the same stadium, named Marassi.
The Marassi stadium is in one of Genoa’s most crowded neighborhood and it’s very lively on weekends when one of the two teams (or both for the so called Derby) plays a match.
