Italy: Life goes on in Rome
Rome: There are several ways to translate or interpret this slogan – the title of a new promotional video – whose no-nonsense message conveys a mixture of resistance and hope; a full-steam-ahead, business-as-usual approach. In short, life goes on in Rome.
Over the millenia, Rome – Caput Mundi – has been the stage of unrivalled glory and greatness. It has also weathered a myriad of storms down through the centuries but has always bounced back smiling.
As Rome prepares to celebrate its 2,773rd birthday next month, a grey cloud looms over the horizon, the same grey cloud that casts a shadow over more than 60 other countries around the world.
Yesterday afternoon some news sources in Rome posted videos and images, presented in such an alarmist way that it seemed that many people in the city centre are wearing masks. This is not true (yes there is a small handful wearing masks but they represent a minuscule number).
The feedback on social media from indignant Romans was, quite rightly, ferocious.
This new promotional video – #RomaNonSiFerma – a stunning visual production by Invidio, features some of Rome’s most majestic and best-loved sites. This is, after all, “The Great Beauty” we are talking about here.
The video is built along powerful key words including history, culture, sport, taste and tradition, reminding us that the city is both “sacred and profane.” The video ends with the declaration: “The story goes on, Italy doesn’t stop, Rome doesn’t stop.”
This short clip is powerful, proud and defiant. It is also a timely reminder to the world that, with the exception of those working in the troubled tourism industry, daily life in Rome continues as normal.
There is no Coronavirus emergency in Rome. 2020 is a big year for Rome. The city is preparing to open two of the most anticipated exhibitions in the world: an “unprecedented” Raphael blockbuster, and the unveiling of the long-hidden Torlonia Marbles, one of the world’s greatest private collections of classical sculpture.
From a sporting point of view, the calendar includes the opening matches of UEFA 2020 in June.
In terms of “history”, “taste” and “hospitality”, highlighted by the video clip, Rome serves it up with style on every street, every day, all year long. It’s what the city does best.
Apart from the reduced crowds (which is not altogether a bad thing) it is business as usual in Rome. The city awaits you enthusiastically. Roma non si ferma. Rome doesn’t stop.
