A Local Tribute for a Global Icon
The community of La Goulette gathers at Eglise de la Goulette for a solemn mass in homage to Claudia Cardinale, the town’s most celebrated daughter. The service will be presided over by Father Narcisse Djerambete, who will lead a ceremony attended by residents from France, Italy, and Tunisia, alongside a number of national and international personalities. This tribute reflects Cardinale’s lifelong connection to her birthplace and her enduring influence on European cinema.
The Mass in La Goulette: A Modest Farewell
In keeping with Cardinale’s wishes, the homage in La Goulette emphasizes dignity and restraint: no flowers and no wreaths will be laid. The mass will focus on gratitude for a life spent celebrating cultural exchange between Tunisia, Italy, and France, and on the continued work of the Claudia Cardinale Foundation, which remains dedicated to nurturing young talents across the arts. Attendees will include members of the artistic community who recall her generosity and the inspiration she provided to aspiring actors and filmmakers.
Claudia Cardinale: From La Goulette to European Cinema
Born in 1938 in La Goulette to a modest Italian family, Cardinale rose to become one of Europe’s most iconic actresses. In 1957 she was elected “the most beautiful Italian in Tunis,” a title that helped launch a remarkable career that would illuminate stages and screens across the continent. Her festival breakthrough at Venice opened doors to roles that showcased a rare blend of beauty and talent. Beyond cinema, she celebrated her Tunisian roots, notably in Ferid Boughedir’s film Un été à la Goulette, a work that paid homage to her hometown and the cultural tapestry she helped to symbolize.
A Life Shaped by Tunisian-Italian Roots
Cardinale’s dual heritage—Tunisian by birthplace and Italian by family—formed the core of her artistic identity. She pursued roles that bridged cultures, becoming a symbol of cross‑Mediterranean cinema. Her work and presence inspired generations of actors from Sicily to Tunis and beyond, reinforcing the idea that cinema can be a shared language across borders.
The Foundation and Her Legacy
Even as tributes pour in, Cardinale’s most enduring impact continues through the Claudia Cardinale Foundation. The foundation remains active in supporting emerging talents, offering scholarships, mentorships, and opportunities for young artists to develop their craft. Through this ongoing work, Cardinale’s memory lives on as a beacon for aspiring filmmakers and performers throughout the region and the broader European arts community.
Funeral Details in Paris
Public recognition of Cardinale’s global influence will culminate in a funeral in Paris: Tuesday, 30 September 2025, at 14:30, at Saint-Roch Church. The ceremony will bring together friends, colleagues, and admirers from across France, Italy, Tunisia, and other parts of the world. While the La Goulette mass serves as a local tribute, Paris will honor Cardinale’s international legacy with a formal farewell that reflects her stature as a European cinema luminary.
A Lasting Impact on La Goulette and Tunisian Cinema
Claudia Cardinale’s life stands as a powerful reminder of how a single town can influence a global art form. From her humble beginnings in La Goulette to her rise as a cinema icon, she upheld a sense of generosity and commitment to nurturing new talent. The ongoing work of the Claudia Cardinale Foundation, and the memories shared by those who knew her, ensure that her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of performers, filmmakers, and lovers of Mediterranean culture.
