Born: 1821 (Laguna, Kingdom of Brazil)
Died: 1849 (Italy)
Biography:
Anita Garibaldi, born Ana Maria de Jesus Ribeiro on August 30, 1821, in Laguna, a part of the Kingdom of Brazil, was a Brazilian republican revolutionary who played a vital role in the 19th-century Age of Romanticism and revolutionary liberalism. She became renowned as the wife and comrade-in-arms of Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi, and together they embarked on a remarkable journey that left an indelible mark on history.
Anita was born into a poor family of Azorean Portuguese descent. Her parents, Maria Antonia de Jesus Antunes and Bento Ribeiro da Silva, instilled in her a sense of resilience and determination from an early age. Despite her humble beginnings, Anita’s spirit burned bright, and she possessed an unwavering desire for freedom and justice.
At the young age of fourteen, Anita’s life took an unexpected turn when she was forced to marry Manuel Duarte Aguiar. However, their marriage proved to be short-lived, as Aguiar abandoned her to join the Imperial Army. It was during this period of uncertainty that Anita’s path crossed with Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Giuseppe Garibaldi, a Niçois sailor of Ligurian descent turned Italian nationalist revolutionary, had fled Europe and found himself fighting on behalf of the separatist Riograndense Republic in southern Brazil. When Garibaldi first laid eyes on Anita, he whispered, You must be mine. Their destinies intertwined, and they became inseparable.
In October 1839, Anita joined Garibaldi on his ship, the Rio Pardo, and together they embarked on a series of daring adventures. She quickly proved herself to be an extraordinary partner, fearlessly fighting alongside Garibaldi in battles at Imbituba and Laguna. Anita’s skill as a horsewoman and her deep knowledge of the gaucho culture of southern Brazil made her an invaluable comrade to Garibaldi. Her charm and tenderness, combined with her strength and courage, made her an exceptional individual.
Anita’s resilience and determination were put to the ultimate test at the Battle of Curitibanos. Garibaldi became separated from the front lines, and Anita, captured by the rival group, was faced with devastating news. The guards informed her that Garibaldi had perished in battle. The news crushed her, knowing that not only had she lost her beloved partner but also their unborn child, whom Garibaldi would never have the chance to meet.
Desperate for answers, Anita requested permission to search among the deceased on the battlefield. Although allowed to search, she could not find any trace of Garibaldi. This glimmer of hope ignited a fire within Anita, compelling her to escape her captors. She seized a horse, mounted it, and raced away, with the soldiers hot on her heels. Determined to reunite with Garibaldi, she defied all odds and ultimately made her way back to him.
Anita’s unwavering devotion to Garibaldi ultimately led to her tragic end. In August 1849, at the age of 27, Anita fell victim to an epidemic in Italy. Her untimely demise marked the end of a truly extraordinary partnership that had reshaped the world’s understanding of love, revolution, and sacrifice.
Anita Garibaldi’s legacy as a brave and revolutionary woman lives on. Her undying spirit and unwavering commitment to her beliefs continue to inspire generations. Her profound impact on women’s history and her contribution to the fight for freedom make her an icon of strength and resilience.