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.
How nice to see on the other side of the world celebrate the party of Italy, the birthday of my beautiful country!
We are so touched and humbled with your comment. Thanks for taking the time out to read and comment on the blog and yeah Happy Italian National Day to you too!! Hugs
This sounds like a great time! The food looks really amazing as well. I’ve always loved Italy. And cheese.
That dessert looks so delicious. I would love to celebrate with Italian food.
It’s nice to read about this also because I’m italian so… I didn’t know there is this celebration in India but I like it hahaha Cheers!!
Who doesn’t love Italian food? I love the cheese and that dessert Looks so delicious.
Oh that dessert looks so tasty. I’m incredibly hungry at the moment if I’m being honest so now you gave me a craving ahha
Oh, what a wonderful event! I love that each nationality dressed in the other’s traditional garb. What great respect for each other!
This looks like an awesome event. I love Italian food especially, I mean my husband’s family is from Italy so I kind of married into it lol
That seemed like a wonderful event. And the food — the mere mention of cheese (the photo, too) made me wish I was there. 🙂
Italy is still one of my favorite holidays.