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Mayor Lo Russo: ‘’Long live Turin, long live Europe and long live music’’
Mayor of Turin Stefano Lo Russo attended the opening ceremony of the 66th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest taking place this week.
Mayor Lo Russo stated on social media: ‘’At the Reggia di Venaria, the parade of the delegations of the Eurovision Song Contest Italy, a great celebration of music and not only that, because at the base of the most important musical show, there is also a message of peace and brotherhood.’’
Artists from all 40 participating countries took part in the opening event, the so-called Turquoise carpet. The iconic Reggia di Venaria, a former royal residence and gardens located in Venaria Reale, has been chosen as the location of the event.
The Reggia di Venaria is a magnificent 17th-century baroque palace. It was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997 as part of the Royal House of Savoy Residences. Nowadays, the complex is a prominent tourist destination as well as a venue for various exhibitions and events.
Following last year’s victory, Italy has won the opportunity to host this year’s edition of Europe’s most watched TV show. Turin has won the race to host the 66th Eurovision Song Contest, beating out 16 other cities. The event will take place at PalaOlimpico, one of Italy’s largest arenas. The ice hockey events at the 2006 Winter Olympics and the opening ceremonies of the 2007 Winter Universiade were previously both held at PalaOlimpico.
After Naples in 1965 and Rome in 1991, Piedmont’s capital will become the third Italian city to host the Eurovision Song Contest. The two semifinals and the Grand Final will take place on May 10, 12 and 14 respectively.
‘’Let’s enjoy these days of celebration, if you can go to Valentino Park at the Eurovision Village, there you will find a rich calendar of shows and moments of reflection,’’ mayor Lo Russo also stated.
‘’Long live Turin, long live Europe and long live music,’’ he added. (photo credit: Eurovision official website)
