Franco Luxardo

Franco Luxardo, born in Zara, is the last surviving member of the Luxardo family, known for their iconic maraschino cherry liqueur production. After fleeing the devastation of World War II and the regime of Tito, he has dedicated his life to preserving the memory of the Italian exodus from the Dalmatian coast. As president of the Dalmata Society of Patriotic History and former mayor of the 'Free Municipality of Zara in Exile', Luxardo has been a prominent advocate for recognition of the struggles faced by Italian exiles. He currently lives in Padova, where he oversees the family business, Luxardo, which has successfully revived its operations in Italy.