It was an evocative aperitif on a boat in the beautiful Baia de Guanabara that officially opened the celebrations of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, organised in Rio de Janeiro by the Consulate General of Italy and the Italian Cultural Institute. In the shadow of Christ the Redeemer and the Sugar Loaf Mountain, a selection of dishes prepared by the chef of the Bota restaurant, Gianluigi Esposito, guided guests through a unique experience between traditional foods of the Mediterranean diet and the cuisine of the roots, the two major themes chosen for the ninth edition of the Week.
The Consul General of Italy in Rio, Massimiliano Iacchini, highlighted the importance of 'promoting the territory and all that is Italian excellence through gastronomy. "Gastronomy is not just eating or drinking, it is culture and one of the reasons to visit our country," he said.
In honour of the 150th anniversary of Italian immigration to Brazil, the opening event promoted by the National Tourist Board (Enit) and organised by the Italo-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Rio referred to the Tourism of Roots programme. "The government and Enit really had a great idea. I can say from personal experience that having the opportunity to visit the city of grandparents and great-grandparents is a unique experience,' said the president of the Chamber, Renata Novotny.
"Talking about roots tourism is promoting the different regions of Italy by encouraging Italian-descendants to get to know their geographical and cultural roots by going back to the city from where their ancestors left. All the regions work with this programme and also help in the genealogical research of descendants,' said Enit's manager in Brazil, Barbara Oristanio. 'The government also promotes a scholarship on international tourism and, through the Italia.it portal, supports tour operators and visitors in building their own trip,' she added.
To celebrate Culinary Week 2024 in Rio, one of the symbols of Brazil and Italian immigration was chosen: coffee. Celebrated with an exhibition at the ItalianoRio cultural centre and with a gastronomic tribute in each of the menus of the restaurants participating in the event.
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