The Padova Pride Festival opens at the Fiera (until August 28)

by ERIKA BOLLETTIN
The celebration for everyone is back, two months packed with meetings, concerts, and all-round entertainment that will take place (every evening) at the Padova Pride Village, the event hub now in its fourth edition, held from tomorrow until August 28th at the Padova Fair.
A stand against homophobia, a confirmation of Padua's ambition to be a progressive and open city, a way to give ever greater visibility to the gay community, which has chosen constant presence as an antidote to intolerance. The promoters of these two intense months, which take place from Tuesday to Sunday, with the evening opening at 8:00 PM, are the Tralaltro Arcigay Padova club in collaboration with PadovaFiere Spa. This year's official opening will be given by two special Italian women and professionals, Luciana Littizzetto and Franca Valeri, who tomorrow at 9:30 PM will symbolically cut the ribbon and launch the Padova Pride Village. The choice of the two patrons was no coincidence: actress Franca Valeri was recently crowned Queen of Comedy 2011 at the 250 Mix Milano, a festival of gay, lesbian, and queer culture, while Luciana Littizzetto was nominated for the "Pegaso d'oro 2011" award, a recognition that Arcigay offers annually to a personality who, through statements, public actions, or interviews, has distinguished themselves in supporting the dignity of homosexual, bisexual, or transgender people.
The evening of July 1st continues with the Disco Village and selections by DJ Gianluca Pacini, accompanied by the Dangerous Game performing group, and outside you can dance with Jack DJ.
The program continues on Saturday with the Cinevillage festival and the screening of the film "Et in terra pax" by Matteo Botrugno and Daniele Coluccini. At 10:30 p.m., the Drag Queen Show arrives on the Fairgrounds boulevard, and shortly after midnight, Disco Damage, the hottest electronic pop duo, will perform. Admission is €5 for July 1st and 2nd, plus €10 for Disco Damage.
Boy George's concert on Sunday, July 3rd is highly anticipated. The quintessential gay icon, singer of Culture Club, and a chameleon-like figure will arrive at Padua Pride Village at 10 p.m. (entrance €10). The night will close out with Vittorio DJ.
The program resumes on Tuesday, July 5th, with Margherita Hack at 7 pm, presenting her book "Free Science in a Free State," and interviewed by Omar Monestier, director of Il Mattina di Padova.
There are plenty of events to keep in mind: the theatrical performance "Comunque Nannarella" performed by Anna Mazzamauro (July 6); a meeting with journalist Maria Luisa Busi (July 12); an interview with fashion designer Lorenzo Riva (July 19); and the "Villipendio Tour" performed by Sabina Guzzanti (July 24). Also eagerly awaited are concerts by Mario Venuti (scheduled for July 17), Ron (July 31), Nada (August 7), Antonella Ruggero (August 14), Niccolò Fabi (August 21), and Patty Pravo (who will perform on August 28). Tickets for all concerts are €10. For more information: www.padovapridevillage.it