Guangzhou says 'ciao' to a slice of Italian culture

Guangzhou was painted red, white and green on Sept 16, with the sights, sounds and smells of all things Italian.

Creamy handmade gelato was gobbled by the cone, pasta passed pleasurably through pursed lips and even a spectacular Italian motorcycle stunt show was held in the Guangdong province capital.

The first Italian Culture Festival gets underway in Guangzhou on Sept 16. [Photo/gznf.net] 

The opening ceremony of Guangzhou's inaugural Italian Culture Festival was attended by luminaries including Laura Egoli, consul-general of Consulate General of the Republic of Italy in Guangzhou, Paolo Quattrocchi, chief representative of Italian Trade Commission Guangzhou Office and Fabio Stella, board member of China-Italy Chamber of Commerce.

An exhibition "di Italia" featured fashion, food and fancy jewelry from more than 40 fine Italian companies.

Fabio said he hoped the people of Guangzhou would fall in love with the beauty of the European nation and its many iconic and artisanal products and services.

Renowned Italian chefs doled out pizza by the slice to eager mouths, which were then sweetened with Italian chocolate kisses and swilled down with velvety red wine.

To top it all off with a cherry on top, a special football exhibition was held showcasing the jerseys of famous Italian football greats.

Laura said she was delighted to see many Italian elements and brands involved in the festival and hoped that the event would help Chinese people gain a greater understanding of Italy.

Laura Egoli, consul-general of Consulate General of the Republic of Italy in Guangzhou is interviewed by local reporters. [Photo/chinanews.com]

Fabio Stella, board member of China-Italy Chamber of Commerce gives a speech at the opening ceremony of Italian Culture Festival held in Guangzhou. [Photo/gznf.net]