And these bold ones, who truly deserve the wishes “audax fortuna juvant” (“Because they well deserved this bit of luck to have pleasant weather that invited people to go out of their homes”), can proudly take a more than positive review. Two hours and more of the enchanting music of Southern Italy, the famous “Tarantella” played by very amiable musicians and interpreted by three graceful dancers. People were quickly swept into an atmosphere of memories for some and lively sympathy for all.
This was also an ecumenical evening held under the eyes of the Pope of the Russian Orthodox Church of Nice Father Philippolenko, who had graciously lent the spaces of his gardens, and his host, the chaplain of the Italian Catholic Mission Don Federico Andreoletti. Showing that specificity and difference are not necessarily synonymous with division, or even opposition!
The evening was festive and ended in general enthusiasm. Among the dancers, many participants discovered a new passion: the Tarantella!!!
Residents of Nice, Italians from old immigration and young retirees, Russians, Orthodox and Catholics… all together! Demonstrating that not much is needed to interest people and bring them together beyond origins. A beautiful lesson for the fans of national identity?
Some comments from the personalities present:
- The Consul General of Italy, Mr. Agostino Chiesa Alciator: “It’s a very beautiful evening enjoying great success. I extend my thanks and congratulations to the organizers.”
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Olivier Bettati (deputy mayor, delegate for the Hill Pole, and co-organizer of the Music Festival): “I am overwhelmed. More than 700 people responded to our invitation! What more can I say. What warmed my heart was this atmosphere of conviviality. People need to come together and share moments like this one. I am committed to making the 3rd edition, next year’s, even better.”
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Hervé Cael (president of the Imperial Park Neighborhood Committee): “Very pleasant evening. Who can say otherwise?”
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Bruno Capaldi (representative of Italians of Nice at the General Committee of Italians Abroad and co-organizer of the Music Festival): “It’s a success even though we could have done better. We wanted to present an exhibition of Italian products for the pleasure of those present, but it was not possible. We will certainly do better next year.”
