To highlight the full extent of Italy's links with Hong Kong and the many opportunities they offer, a month-long festival will celebrate distinctive aspects of the Mediterranean country's culture, cuisine, arts and design.
Running through June, the diverse series, under the banner 'Italy 2012: Quality and Lifestyle', will include musical performances, theatre, films and exhibitions of contemporary art and photography.
Providing something for everyone, there will also be two special food and wine promotions - 'A Tavola!' and 'Let's Eat Italian' - at selected restaurants around town. These will introduce Hongkongers to the authentic tastes and ingredients of Italy's regional favourites, with experienced chefs creating special menus.
Showcasing another side of the country's expertise, a new project, entitled 'Design Italiani: The Taste of Class', will feature a number of short talks at cocktail evenings, explaining what lies behind the style and appeal of world-renowned names in fashion, footwear, furniture and more.
'The festival has grown over the years by catering to different interests and having an element of 'cultural exploration',' says Manuele Bosetti, general manager of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao, which helps plan and co-ordinate the programme of events. 'This year, for example, we want to emphasise the strengths of Italian design and raise awareness about what makes it special.'
Experts have been lined up to speak at various studios and showrooms, giving those who attend a chance to learn, socialise and consider thought-provoking ideas.
