Italy Unexpected brings diverse Italian culture to Tallinn venue

The first Italy Unexpected cultural event brought lesser-known Italian traditions, music and food to Paavli Kultuurivabrik, a cultural venue in Tallinn, on August 15, ERR reported.

The event aimed to challenge stereotypes associated with Italy and bring Estonian and Italian communities together. Organisers said Italy is one of the most popular travel destinations among Estonians, but is often associated with the same places and symbols.

The event was initiated by Nico, an Italian closely connected to Estonia, who put the programme together with the local Italian community.

“Italy Unexpected is not another Italy-themed party. We want to create a place where people can meet and spend time together, because a strong sense of community is just as important to us as music and food,” Nico said.

Visitors took part in workshops on making tiramisu and limoncello. Under the guidance of Mattia Dossetto, they also learned steps from Occitan dancing, which were later performed in front of the stage.

The opening performer was Sicilian musician Luisa Briguglio. The programme continued with the dance-focused Kanuteh-Zanotti Duo, 21-string harp-lute or kora player Jabel Kanuteh, and Mundial, who combined electronic music with rhythms from southern Italy. DJ Renno Paat closed the evening.