Date: 15th March 2019
Venue: Embassy of Italy, New Delhi
This one is for all those who are crying war.
We were recently invited to the 158th Anniversary of the Unification of Italy – the Italian National Day celebration at the Embassy of Italy, New Delhi. Most of the attendees were Indians. There was a dress code – lounge suit or national dress or uniforms. We were in fact greeted at the entrance by Embassy officials in uniform. We saw many Indians were in lounge suits and evening dresses while many Italians were resplendent in sarees. It was clearly a designer’s delight.
The Ambassador of Italy H. E. Mr. Lorenzo Angeloni addressed the audience and spoke about amity and cultural exchange between India and Italy. This was followed by National Anthems of both the countries sung by Neemrana Music Foundation. There was also a light installation and the black box. Video presentations on innovative products and architectonic techniques were being screened inside the box. The proceedings were not heavy, but just enough to take us back to what the evening was all about.
The short program was followed by dinner. It was Italian fare at its best. Given the variety or cheese laid in the buffet, we seemed to have reached cheese heaven. Glasses of Chardonnay were a lethal combination with the cheese. The desserts were yum too. The freshly baked croissants, with the oozing cream inside, and sugar powder outside, were worth every calorie. The cocktail and dinner experience, coupled with Indian classical instrumental playing in the background, was as heady as it could get. Given the balance of vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian items in the menu, we were most impressed towards the sensitivity and eye for detail.
No wonder the party went on till late and nobody was in a hurry to leave. We all had a good time – Indians, Italians alike. And that is the point we are trying to make. One doesn’t need to be of a certain ethnic / religious/ linguistic type to appreciate life. All one needs is some kindness and open mind and no-war cry. Here is wishing more of these qualities in the somewhat turbulent times we are facing around us.
Meanwhile, our best wishes for the Italian National Day.
This sounds like it was a resplendent event indeed. I loved the switch in attire with the attendants from the different cultural backgrounds. I say it was a beautiful site. It is so special that there was a good balance between vegetarian and non-vegetarian. That cake looks amazing!
I never realized that there was a celebration of Italian heritage in India. This sounds like such a fun event.
I love Italy and all the italian food!I lived in Turin for a year and my family is part italian! must have been quite the party!
I love this! Not only because I am Italian and love to see people enjoy our cultural fare, but because I love seeing all cultures come together to celebrate and live life to the fullest!
Celebration for the Italian day must have been so awesome, right? From the dress code, the food and the activities altogether!
This looks like it would be so delicious. I have not had a whole lot of Italian desserts but definitely love Italian food!
I have been to Italy and love it. The people are so sweet and the culture is so rich!
At one side some senseless people are asking for war. Whilst other people are arranging peaceful events together. We need these type of events to bring all together. Nice to see you got the invitation and enjoyed it 🙂
That was a fun event to go to, the desert is so mouthwatering. I love Italy I wish someday I could visit this place.
Everything looks like that was a great evening! Cheers to Italy and India!