Pesaro, Italy
The municipality of Pesaro, Italy, has issued an apology following the construction of a Christmas ice rink around a statue dedicated to opera singer Luciano Pavarotti. The statue is now positioned knee-deep within the temporary ice rink, enclosed by perspex walls in the town's piazza.
Official Statements and Reactions
Nicoletta Mantovani, Pavarotti's widow, communicated her displeasure to local media, characterizing the arrangement as an act that "ridicules" her late husband. She further stated that she "didn't expect a town would allow this treatment of the memory and the image of a person who made Italy great around the world" and described the council's decision as "poorly executed" and "absurd."
Mayor Andrea Biancani acknowledged the situation, stating he did not intend to cause offense and admitted the council "made a mistake." He explained to Il Resto del Carlino that initial plans for the ice rink did not involve the statue, but designers were later compelled to alter the construction, leading to the current placement. Biancani indicated that dismantling the rink or relocating the statue at this stage was not feasible, adding that the situation "would not happen again."
Background of the Statue
The life-size bronze statue of Luciano Pavarotti was officially unveiled in Pesaro in April 2024. Ms. Mantovani and the couple's daughter, Alice, were present at the ceremony. Pavarotti maintained a connection to Pesaro, frequently vacationing there, owning a villa, and holding honorary citizenship in the town.
Prior to the rink's opening on November 29, Mayor Biancani had posted a manipulated image of the Pavarotti statue engaging in ice hockey on social media, accompanied by the hashtag #DaiUnCinqueAPavarotti, which translates to "Give a high-five to Pavarotti." The incident has been referenced by local media, including Il Resto del Carlino, as "Pavarotti on Ice."