20 February 2022
H.E Shaikha Mai Cultural Visit to the City of Palermo
H.E Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa, keen to enhance and consolidate the cultural relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the richly cultural heritage of the historical city of Palermo, paid a visit to the mayor of Palermo, Mr. Leoluca Orlando, on 19 February 2022, at his office, at the Palazzo Pretorio, also known as Palace of the Eagles.
The meeting included an introduction to the history of the city and its cultural landmarks that made it a source of attracting tourism and developing the local economy. In addition, the mayor of the city was also introduced to the history of the Kingdom of Bahrain and its cultural activities. The ongoing Spring of Culture Festival, featuring a special concert by Palermo iconic “Teatro Massimo”, Massimo Theater. Indeed, the latter is without any doubts one of the symbols of Palermo.
In addition, the meeting highlighted the importance of cultural exchange between civilizations, especially since Palermo has long historical ties with Arab culture, dating back to hundreds of years. The encounter was very constructive and inspiring since both sides share the same conviction that culture can make the world a better place and build brides of love and friendship between peoples.
H.E Shaikha Mai lauded the efforts made by mayor, Leoluca Orlando and his visionary endeavor to restore vivid movement elements and life to the cultural infrastructure in the city, especially the famous Massimo Theater, which was built a century and a quarter ago and is now back to life during the presidency of mayor Mr. Orlando. The Teatro Massimo in Palermo was first built in 1897 as Italy's largest, most groundbreaking monument to opera, enjoyed exclusively by the city's elite. During the day, Her Excellency visited a number of cultural and historical edifices of the city, and attended the Simon Boccanegra Opera in a prologue and three acts by famous “Giuseppe Verdi”, starring World Opera Star Plácido Domingo.
