Italian Republic Day celebrations are finally back in attendance at the residence of the Italian Ambassador in Nairobi, after two years of virtual ceremonies that, although creatively organized and streamed, could not continue the traditions of events that allow Italian residents in Kenya to gather on the anniversary of the founding of our Republic, June 2.
This year, for the 76th anniversary, the Embassy decided not only to reopen the doors of the residence to its compatriots (with due precautions and in compliance with the directions received from the local authorities) but with the collaboration of the Italian Cultural Institute and Comites Kenya to propose two more events close to the date to allow as many people as possible to participate and share moments together.
"This year, although the pandemic situation appears to be better, the need to take appropriate precautions for the prevention of Covid-19 regarding major events nevertheless persists," explains Ambassador Alberto Pieri in his official communication, "it will not be possible to commemorate National Day in the traditional format of pre-pandemic years. For this reason, we have planned various initiatives so as to give the greatest number of Italians the opportunity to take part."
The June 2 day, in any case, will be open to anyone who wishes to participate. Partly by invitation, as is always the case, with the presence of a limited number of guests, and partly by allowing compatriots residing in the country who are interested in participating in the event to make reservations by registering at the following link active from today, Saturday, May 21, until Monday, May 23.
https://forms.office.com/r/nD2GvAqNEA
Invitations, based on the chronological order of transmission (until all seats are available) will subsequently be sent to the email box indicated at the time of registration.
For those who cannot be present, highlights of the June 2 event will still be available on the Embassy's social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: ItalyinKenya).
Another chance for everyone to celebrate Italian-ness in close proximity is the Food & Wine Festival, which will be held on Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5 in the Village Market Shopping Center spaces in the Gigiri district of Nairobi. As part of the annual Expo organized by Comites in which we celebrate the food and wine of our home (also re-established after two years of total restrictions), refreshments will be served on Saturday, June 4 from 12 to 2 p.m. to inaugurate the Festival, with free admission open to all, thanks to the reduced restrictions regarding open spaces inside shopping malls. The Embassy is pleased to invite all Italians in Kenya for this gathering occasion.
The other new feature of this year's event is that it will be possible to celebrate "Children's Republic Day" together with the little ones, which will take place on June 11, at 3 p.m., at Matteo's Restaurant (Ngong Road, Karen, Nairobi). To brighten up the day dedicated to the little ones, Geronimo Stilton, the topographer most loved by children around the world, will explore the artistic and cultural wonders of Italy, traveling the Boot to discover cities, villages, stories and landscapes. It will be possible to register for this additional event by sending an email to our Italian Cultural Institute (iicnairobi@esteri.it).