A Homecoming Mass in La Goulette for a Cinema Icon
A special homage mass is planned at the Eglise de La Goulette to honor Claudia Cardinale, the daughter of the town who rose to become one of European cinema’s most enduring stars. The service will be officiated by Father Narcisse Djerambete, and attendees are expected to include French, Italian, and Tunisian residents of La Goulette, along with a number of notable personalities from the world of culture and film. The gathering reflects a town and a nation paying tribute to a figure who never forgot her roots, and who carried the name of La Goulette onto the broader stage of international cinema.
A life rooted in La Goulette
Claudia Cardinale was born in 1938 in La Goulette, Tunisia, into a modest Italian family. From these beginnings she became a defining face of European cinema, celebrated for both her stunning presence and her skill as an actress. In 1957 she was crowned “the most beautiful Italian in Tunis,” a title that opened doors to a festival stay in Venice and launched a career that would shine across continents. Her connection to Tunisia remained strong throughout her life, and she helped bring Tunisian culture into the wider cinematic conversation.
A career shaped by Europe’s cinema
Cardinale’s career unfolded across Italy and beyond, turning her into a symbol of elegance and talent in a generation that defined international film. She celebrated her roots in diverse ways, including a personal involvement in Ferid Boughedir’s film Un été à La Goulette, a project that highlighted her enduring bond with her birthplace. The tribute in La Goulette recognizes not only her fame but also her dedication to the communities that shaped her and the stories she helped tell on screen.
A discreet tribute and ongoing legacy
In keeping with Cardinale’s wish for a simple, respectful homage, organizers have requested that the La Goulette ceremony avoid flowers or wreaths. The emphasis is on gratitude and remembrance—an intimate moment for those who carry her legacy forward. The day’s events underscore her status as an “Enfant du pays,” a phrase that captures how deeply she remains rooted in her hometown and how her success has reflected back on the community that nurtured her.
The funeral in Paris and the family tribute
Beyond the La Goulette mass, Cardinale’s passing prompted a national and international outpouring of respect. Her funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, 30 September 2025, at 14:30, at Saint-Roch in Paris. The service will bring together colleagues, admirers, and family members who wish to say farewell to a cinema icon who left an indelible mark on European art and culture.
Preserving a heritage through the Claudia Cardinale Foundation
Throughout her life, Cardinale served as president of the Fondation Claudia Cardinale, a testament to her commitment to nurturing new talent. The foundation continues to carry forward her mission, supporting emerging artists and helping young talents take their first steps in the industry. This ongoing work ensures that the legacy of one of the great doyens of 20th-century cinema remains alive in classrooms, studios, and stages around the world.
Claudia Cardinale’s story—born in La Goulette, rising to global fame, and using her platform to uplift others—remains a powerful reminder of cinema’s ability to bridge cultures. As her hometown gathers to honor her, and Paris prepares to say goodbye, the memory of this “enfant du pays” continues to inspire generations of filmmakers, actors, and fans alike.
