Bologna Blossoms: A Healing Journey Through Art and Community

May has been a radiant month, and Bologna has showered us with warmth through its sunshine, food, and people—a beautiful remedy in itself. The event found its unique dimension at Altro Spazio, accentuated by the patient staff who assisted us throughout the setup of the evening.

It was a great joy to see this project come to life in Bologna for one evening, given the nature of its Italian name. It was a poignant moment to be able to screen Emergency's documentary video: "EMERGENCY's Children’s Surgical Hospital in Entebbe, Uganda." There's immense work in the care that Emergency commits to providing for adults and children alike.

After the screening, Andrea Mastria delivered a heartfelt introductory message on behalf of Emergency, setting the tone for the evening. Valerio Grutt then eloquently guided us through the healing power of poetry, touching each of us with verses in Italian and Neapolitan, accompanied by the enchanting notes of Angelica. It was a truly magical experience that resonated with everyone present.

Following this poetic interlude, we were treated to RVE's captivating performance, accompanied by Juani on the drums. Their exploration of complex emotions, coupled with their rendition of "Fools," left a lasting impression on all.

Closing the evening was the reunion of Pablo & The Foreigners—a moment of pure joy. Angelica, Javi, Juani, and Paul enchanted us with their unique blend of music and words, guiding us towards the end of the night with infectious energy.

It's difficult to express just how much each artist contributed to the overall atmosphere of the evening. Speaking with attendees afterward, the overwhelming feedback was one of positivity and gratitude for being part of such a meaningful event. It underscored the importance of promoting messages of peace and fostering moments that celebrate diversity and cultural exchange.

I'm also deeply grateful to friends who traveled far and wide, some of whom I hadn't seen in almost a decade, to support this project.

And let's not forget to mention the mouthwatering pizza crafted with care by Francesco and Michele, which added an extra layer of warmth and camaraderie to the evening.

​La Mansarda, with its delicious pizza and closing tiramisu, truly embodied the spirit of a large family coming together to support a worthy cause: promoting Emergency's peace culture and humanitarian work.

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About the Author:

Ligia, founder and creative director of La Mansarda, is a visionary soul with a penchant for yellow flowers and all things sunny. When she's not busy orchestrating creative projects, you'll often find her surrounded by friends, sharing laughter and creating memories. In her free time, she enjoys tinkering away on her piano, letting the melodies of life inspire her next artistic endeavor.