It was an event that took the tradition of celebrations of the Republic of Italy back at least to before the pandemic that took place yesterday, Thursday, June 2 at the residence of Ambassador Alberto Pieri in Muthaiga, Nairobi.
Surely had it not been for the restrictions both recommended by Italy and Kenya that greatly reduced the number of guests and invitations available to AIRE registered residents, many more than the 300 or so compatriots would have enjoyed a moment of participation, meeting and (why not) levity considering this period, as the Ambassador himself mentioned, in which we are witnessing and suffering a war that is the child of one nation's invasion of another. "Our thoughts and sympathy go out to Ukraine," Pieri recalled, after outlining all the partnerships and interactions between Italy and Kenya, from technology to sustainable agriculture, from the blue economy to the environment and much more.
As always, Italian food and wine excellence in Kenya was represented by companies that offered the best of their production and ability to churn out delicacies: from Queen Deli with high quality cheeses and cured meats, garnishes and pasta dishes, to Pomodoro with finger food, pizza and fried food, to Nonsologelato's sweet treats and desserts. All with the background of a wind quartet from Sicily that began with the two national anthems of Italy and Kenya and ended with a splendid tribute to Ennio Morricone. 
In between, finally, the return to sharing and the pleasure of gathering among Italians (with several ambassadors from other nations in addition to the Kenyan government representative, himself ambassador,Paul Ndungu) among very young cooperators to new entrepreneurs, pioneers and historical "expats," diplomats, clergymen and social workers.