Italian excellence in Bahrain
On the occasion of the second edition of the Made in Italy Day, the Ambassador of Italy in Bahrain, Andrea Catalano, together with the ICE Agency, created an exclusive event dedicated to Italian excellence in all its forms. From art to fashion, from mechanics to gastronomy, the evening celebrated Italian creative and productive talent, highlighting the union between tradition and innovation.
The initiative, as reported by an official statement of the Embassy, took place in the suggestive setting of the Residence of Italy in Saar, transformed for the occasion into a real itinerary among the Italian wonders. What is the target? Bringing the Bahraini community closer to the “know-how” that has always distinguished our country, a heritage of craftsmanship and entrepreneurial vision that produces economic, cultural and social value.
The emblem of the event, once again, is the Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci: symbol of the centrality of man in research and innovation. The tribute also extended to other key figures in Italian history, such as Galileo Galilei, Alessandro Volta and Guglielmo Marconi, true pillars of scientific and technological thought.
The Residenza garden was set up as a journey through Italy’s most iconic streets-from Rome to Milan, via Florence and Naples-offering attendees an immersive, multisensory experience. Attractions included the “Career Photography” exhibition linked to the famous Compasso d’Oro, a prestigious industrial design award, and sophisticated haute couture creations by Ettore Bilotta, who also held a masterclass at Qalat-al-Bahrain, delving into the value of Italian design and tailoring.
Among the excellences on display were also the refined leather goods of the historic maison Alfredo Beretta and the jewelry signed by Bahraini designer Amal Sanad, founder of Kyan Jewels. They could not miss the icons of Italian motoring: Ferrari and Maserati, presented by Euromotors, alongside high-tech sports represented by Formula 1 helmets produced by Racing Force Group.
Italian taste found space through the specialties offered by Sitaf, drinks by Gruppo Distillati and a menu inspired by Tuscan cuisine created by Chef Simona Girelli, an authentic expression of the Mediterranean diet, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. All in collaboration with Slow Food.
Guests of honor include Sheikh Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, Secretary General of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD), flanked by representatives from civil society and the local business community.
In his inaugural address, Ambassador Catalano stressed:
“It is an honor to welcome the Bahraini community to the Residenza d’Italia, which has now become a symbolic place to explore and pay tribute to Italian ingenuity in all its expressions, from fashion to engineering, from agriculture to design. The Made in Italy Day is an integral part of the growth diplomacy promoted by our government: an opportunity to tell how our country continues to be competitive thanks to the perfect harmony between tradition and innovative spirit.”
Cover : Unsplash