The Lebanese Reprise of ‘Bella Ciao.’ Pop Culture Meets Political History

By Dejaih Smith

‘Bella ciao, ciao, ciao’: This Italian revolutionary song - tracing back to the 19th century - has now become the anthem to the Lebanese protests. Coincidentally, it was recently made popular by the influence of the Spanish television series on Netflix, La Casa de Papel or Money Heist. Dissidents largely in the Mediterranean region have reintroduced its lyrics to highlight their own grievances against their government leaders. Protests were triggered on the 17th of October 2019, in Beirut, Lebanon, known as October Revolution, and show no signs of ceasing with the COVID-19 pandemic being an added stressor to the people.

History & Influence of ‘Bella Ciao’

‘Bella Ciao’ started as a folksong in Italy and spoke of the plight of the “modine,” the rice field workers of the River Po basin. They were symbolic of poverty and tough labor conditions in pre-industrial era Italy. ‘Bella Ciao’ became the pulse of the people fighting for change and freedom, as well as the rebranding of Italy and even used in football clubs. It has retained its roots of rebellion and defiance showing up in protest movements from Greece, after the left-wing Syriza party took power in 2015, to the Catalan protests for independence in Barcelona, Spain. With the new craze over Money Heist, the song has found a new generation of fans obsessing over it. It is relatable to many historical moments, but it could be the rhythm or the refrain you want to yell out loud in public that makes it so infectious.

Recently, Netflix released a documentary surrounding the fan phenomenon of Money Heist. Within the footage, there are clips from the beginning of the October Revolution in Lebanon, which was initially triggered by an announcement of tax increases on daily use items to address an economic crisis such as gasoline, tobacco, and even WhatsApp calls. Since then, you could hear the Lebanese citizens in the streets shouting in unison sentiment: “I want to live, I want to breathe”, “I want to find a job in Lebanon”, “I want my rights as a women”, “I want electricity, water and infrastructure”, “I want bread and happiness”, “I want everything they stole from us!” Initially, it is puzzling to hear such a variety of seemingly unrelated demands. Nonetheless, they all stem from the same will to break away from a multifaceted power sharing system of their sectarian governing style. This quickly emboldened a nationwide condemnation of the sectarian rule, endemic corruption, and other imminent matters.’

‘Bella Ciao’ in Money Heist

Money Heist tells the story of an unlikely group of skilled robbers who attempt to carry out a plan to perform the most perfect robbery in Spanish history - risking it all to steal 2.4 billion euros from the Royal Mint of Spain. During the series, many viewers were intrigued by the choice of disguises worn by the heist group: a pair of red overalls and a Dali mask. The costume was by no means an accident, utilizing the Dali mask portraying the rejection of a modern, capitalist society and the red of the overalls representing resistance. Artistic works by Salvador Dali always pushed for anti-capitalism, such as his painting, “The Persistence of Memory.” Over the years, they ideas have appealed to people seeking to live in unity and rejecting suffocating regimes. Throughout the series, you will see symbolisms that shape the reason for the recurring use of the song ‘Bella Ciao.’

During World War II, ‘Bella Ciao’ was used as an Italian bipartisan call for freedom against the fascist regime. Today, it has fueled cries for resistance, indignation, and skepticism towards their unprincipled national systems across the globe, like the expression the robbers portrayed in the show. This is the energy we are seeing in Lebanon today, and why Money Heist has spoken so deeply to the people, helping them rise up and speak out for the mismanagement of the government they have entrusted with their livelihoods.

Growing Unrest in Lebanon Today

The Lebanese people have likely resonated with this revolutionary song for many years now. Since the ending of the 15-year-long civil war in the 90’s, Lebanon remained mired in crisis with its economy in shambles, and crumbling infrastructure including daily electricity cuts and limited water supply - which is managed by the state. The October Revolution aided in turning a page in the history of a country struggling to come to term with its past. The Lebanese have been suffering under dire economic conditions, due to the country being heavily indebted and experiencing tax increases, with anti-government protests sparking several times within the past year. Most recently the crisis was heightened during the pandemic with an enormous explosion that took place on the 4th of August, 2020, at the port of the capital, Beirut, killing hundreds and causing billions of dollars’ worth of damage that devastated the morale of the country. This unfortunate event has snowballed with citizens’ fierce pressure in the form of protests, the resignation of the entire parliament for a second time since the start of the October Revolution, and the return of their former prime minister, Saad Hariri, rising to reign with small promises to rebuild the country.

Looking Forward in Lebanon

Against the backdrop of a global pandemic, fiscal crisis, and political crisis, the protest reignited the people’s call-to-action for accountability and justice. For the Lebanese, this resistance is no longer just an anti-government movement, but an adamant mobilization to overthrow the established political order and embody what the people truly aspire to be: a healthy, fortified nation. The largely peaceful protests since October 2019 have been met by the toughness of the Lebanese military and security forces with beatings, teargas, and at times, live ammunition, and rubber bullets. Even with the government reversing the decision to impose tax increases, the protests have spread to other parts of the country with demand for better living conditions and an end to the corruption that is evaporating all the money coming into the country. These effects exhaust the people, making them feel as though they are back to where they started a year ago - if not in more ruins.

This rendition of ‘Bella Ciao’ inspired by Money Heist covered by Lebanese singer and actress, Shiraz. Read below for the Lyrcis in Arabic and English

لو ارض بلادي بالعربي تنادي
If my home land calls in Arabic
Oh Bella Ciao Bella Ciao Bella Ciao Ciao Ciao

منترك اهالينا منحمل امانينا ومنقاتل لآخر روح
We’ll leave our families and carry our hopes And fight till the last breath

فتحت عيوني و شو خبروني
I opened my eyes, they said so many things
Oh Bella Ciao Bella Ciao Bella Ciao Ciao Ciao

حبيب عيوني الساكن بعيوني تاركني بس لازم يروح
My eyes lover, who lives within my eyes, is leavening me as he must go

 حبيبي رايح عالساحة رايح
My lover is going to the battlefield
Oh Bella Ciao Bella Ciao Bella Ciao Ciao Ciao

عا كتافو سلاحو و رفاقوا راحوا وعا غيابو انا قلبي مجروح
Carrying his weapon on his shoulder and his fellows left too His absence broke my heart

‎روحي بتندهلك وقلبي بيشتقلك
My soul calls for you and my heart misses you
Oh bella Ciao Bella Ciao Bella Ciao Ciao Ciao

بصرّخ لحالي بحبك عالعاليلو صوتي لعندك بيروح
I’d scream out loud that I love you If my voice would go to you

اي نحنا قدّا الكلّ منتحدى
Yes we are up for it, will challenge everyone
Oh Bella Ciao Bella Ciao Bella Ciao Ciao Ciao

بالدمّ اللي فينا منكتب ماضيناوما في قوّة رح تمحينا
With the blood within us we will write our past There is no power that can erase us

رجع حبيبي قدري و نصيبي حملني طيرني و خدني معك لبعيد
My lover is back, my destiny my share, carry me and take me away with you

 علو الأغاني السهرة ولعانة يلا لنغني و نرقص الليلة عنا عيد
Put the music on its loudest, the night is on fire, lets sing and dance, tonight we have feast.
Oh Bella Ciao Bella Ciao Bella Ciao Ciao Ciao