March 1 is the first day of Upstate International Month. Each year UI Month begins at noon with the ringing of bells on March 1. All faith-based bells, community carillons, or university carillons are welcome to join the announcement of UI Month across our Upstate.
Ringing the Bells iss a historic tradition connected to one of Greenville’s Sister Cities, Bergamo, Italy. Every night at 10:00 PM, the bells of Bergamo’s Città Alta (Upper Town) ring 100 times—a practice that dates back centuries to mark the closing of the city gates. Experience this symbolic connection and celebrate the cultural ties that unite our Upstate with this beautiful Italian city. Encourage your community to participate in this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a cherished Upstate tradition – Ring the Bells, Noon on March 1, each year.