The ever amazing Roman sunset light was spreading gold powder on tall pine trees and huge marble balconies. Warm, orange sunlight shone on the microphones of the big stage on the terrace in Gianicolo, where the Maori Manala company was rehearsing one of the approximately 400 events which enlightened he 5th edition of ‘Notte Bianca’. Poetry, music, theatre, circus arts, dance, poetry slams, exhibitions, museums open till dawn and events of all kinds.
Just some hours later, already 2 and a half million people were an active part in the big event flowing in all directions, packing museums, enjoying shopping facilities to all the events spread in different areas of the town.
This year’s theme was “The World in a Night” , aiming at joining arts, tradition and culture of the five continents. Artists of all countries exhibited their talents for the joy of the endless rivers of people that flew through all the capital’s streets and squares. The spectacular final moment of the longest Night was the enchanting performance of the Dervishes Sufi spinning their love of God and their connection to Universe on that same panoramic terrace on Gianicolo, while dawn was spreading its soft, rosy light on Rome’s roofs and terraces and on the vanishing night.
Famous Italian singers, like Lucio Dalla (his opening concert and all the events being in honor of the recently deceased tenor Pavarotti), Laura Pausini, Franco Battiato were entwining their tunes in the roman breeze with the north African music of the Ensemble de Fez, with opera arias, rock and jazz music and rhythms from all over the world. Museums open all night with all sorts of exhibitions welcomed an amazing, unexpected number of visitors.
Source: life in italy.com
