In occasion of the Italian National Day on the 2nd of June, the Embassy of Italy and the Italian Trade Commission in Bangkok, have joined hands in promoting a wide program of events in the framework of the Italian Festival “Bella Italia”, which took place between May and June 2007.
The Italian Festival has become an annual appointment offering a special glimpse of Italian culture and lifestyle. This is the third edition in Thailand. Italy and Thailand have already a very established relationship and the program of this Festival was intended to further strengthen the feelings of friendship between the two countries. Thanks to the contribution of the many local partners, such as the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce, Siam Paragon Development Ltd., Central Group and Apex Cinema among many others, the program of the 2007 edition was even richer and involving this year, featuring both traditional and new projects or events. The Festival has focused on different aspects of Italy, such as the exquisite art of Italian cuisine, the elegance of Italian fashion and design, Italy’s cultural heritage in Italy and in Thailand, the art of the photography and filmmaking, technology, innovation and much more.
As a result, the Festival was very welcomed and appreciated by the local public and the local Media alike. Every project received great attention and attendance, and different events were granted with particular prestige.
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindorn graciously presided the opening of the exhibition “Gardens in Tuscany”, A photo exhibition by Massimo Listri at the Hall of Mirrors of Siam Paragon Shopping Complex on the 19th of June.
Whereas, HRH Princess Soamsawale kindly presided the opening of the Food Festival “From Italy with Love” at the central World on the 13th of June.
The Festival “Bella Italia” would have not been possible without the partners and sponsors that supported the different projects. Therefore a special thanks goes to: Regione Toscana, (TICC) Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce, Dante Alighieri Society, Siam Paragon Development Ltd., Apex Cinema, Khun Pichai Chirathiwat and Central Trading Ltd., Central Food Retailers Company Limited, Lavazza (imported by Great Earth International Co.), Smart Catering, Alcisa (imported by Eurofood), Italiana Promozioni Ltd., Accademia Italiana, Orizzonti, National Metal and Materials Technology, Thai Plastic Industry Association, FTI Plastic Industry Club, Giorgetti (imported by Aviva Décor), Restaurant Belguardo, Batasiolo Italian Fine Wines, Singha Beer, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Raffles Hotels.
Among the major highlights presented within this year’s program:
>> The photo exhibition “Gardens in Tuscany” by Massimo Listri. It took place at the Hall of Mirrors of Siam Paragon Shopping Complex from the 19th of June to the 1st of July. (more)
>> The Italian Film Festival which took place at “La Scala and Lido” Movie Theatres in Bangkok from the 21st of June to the 27th of June. (more)
>> From Italy with love. (more)
In addition to these events, other projects have obtained the appreciation of a selected audience, conveying to the Thai people some peculiar aspects of the Italian Style, such as:
>> Italian Cooking Class “WE CAN GET TOGETHER” to benefit Thailand’s underprivileged children of Unicef (more)
>>“The ceramic design development for new markets in a globalized world”. (more)
>> Lavazza Coffee Seminar on “The Culture of Italian Coffee & Lavazza Creativity and Innovation”. (more)
>> The fourth traditional culinary week “Splendor of Italian Cuisine, through the Centuries”, at the top Italian restaurant in Bangkok. (more)
>>“The best day in my life”, a film by Cristina Comencini. It has been screened at the Foreign Correspondent Club in Bangkok, the 5th of June 2007. (more)
>> “The Charm of Italian Style” Photo Exhibition featuring Italian Fashion from Accademia Italiana at Orizzonte Furniture Design Showroom by photographer Giovanni Fazzone. (more)
>> Tour of the monuments in Bangkok designed by Italian architects, organized by the Italian Cultural Society Dante Alighieri. (more)
>> The exhibition of the artist Mario Galvagni at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit and the dinner inspired by his paintings at the Italian restaurant Rossini. (more)
>> "Italian Plastic Injection Moulding Technology: Industrial Applications, specifically in the Auto and Motorcycle Components sector”. (more)
>> Arts and design presentation and grand opening of the “Giorgetti Showroom”. (more)
>> “A prospect of Rome and Paris”, Cross-Cultural Perceptions by 11 Thai Artists on Tour. (more)
>> “Alcisa cold plate challenge, chefs contest for the best antipasto” (more)
>> Upcoming events. (more)
