On 29 November, a newly inaugurated ice rink in Pesaro, Italy, sparked controversy with a frozen statue of the renowned tenor Luciano Pavarotti. The event was promoted by Mayor Andrea Biancani, who shared a photo of the statue digitally altered to show Pavarotti playing ice hockey. The post included the hashtag #DaiUnCinqueAPavarotti, or “Give a high-five to Pavarotti.”
Controversy Over Pavarotti’s Memorialization
The memory of Pavarotti has become a point of contention for his widow, Ms. Mantovani. She expressed her discontent, stating, “I 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.” Ms. Mantovani criticized the town council for making what she called a “poorly executed, absurd decision.”
Details About the Statue
The life-size bronze statue of Pavarotti was officially unveiled in April 2024 during a ceremony attended by Ms. Mantovani and their daughter, Alice. Pavarotti had a deep connection to Pesaro, frequently vacationing there where he owned a villa. He was also honored as an honorary citizen of the town.
Points of Interest
- Date of Ice Rink Opening: 29 November
- Mayor: Andrea Biancani
- Widow: Ms. Mantovani
- Location: Pesaro, Italy
- Statue Unveiling: April 2024
- Relationship to Pesaro: Pavarotti was an honorary citizen and owned a villa.
The incident has stirred local debate regarding how public figures are memorialized, highlighting the importance of respectful commemoration. As discussions continue, the statue serves as a focal point for both admiration and criticism within the community.
