The first Bahá’í to set foot in Parma arrived from Iran in 1961 to attend university, followed shortly thereafter by other students from various Italian cities. In 1964, for educational reasons, everyone left Parma, which remained without Bahá’ís until 1987, when a small group of pioneers moved there.
This group celebrated the 19th Day Festivals, held fireside gatherings and study courses, as well as meetings and assemblies in private homes.
Visits to schools began to be organized, as well as public conferences to present the Faith and participation in important meetings organized by the University and other institutions.
There were also many declarations in Parma, so that on May 24, 1992, the city was able to have its own Local Spiritual Assembly, composed of the nine believers who were residing there at that time.
In the following years, the new community was able to consolidate and grow in numbers.
The Bahá’í Community has carried out numerous and diverse activities in collaboration with local associations such as the Italian Esperanto Association, the Interreligious Forum of Parma, the University, healthcare facilities and hospitals, and organizations operating at the national and international level such as Religions for Peace and APS Gianni Ballerio.

In accordance with Bahá’í teachings, these organizations aim to promote interfaith, social, and cultural dialogue throughout the world in order to achieve peace.

The fire-side

Bahá’ís strive to contribute to the advancement of society inspired by the vision of Bahá’u’lláh. With this in mind, they organize gatherings in their homes, called “hearthside gatherings,” with a group of friends in an informal setting, talking about the teachings of the Faith and why they are important for the modern world. They discuss topics such as peace, equality between women and men, racism, the Bahá’í view of life after death, prayer, and service to others. Fire-sides are intended for people interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the faith and its teachings because Bahá’ís believe that religion should unite people in harmony rather than divide them.

Since May 2023, the Community of Parma has also had premises at Via P. Savani, 17.