East is a delicate matter

Festival dell'Oriente - an event not new for Italy and Milan. It has been going on for several years, in many cities of Italy, and resembles a universal world exhibition of EXPO, only in a reduced amount.

Asia, the Middle East and North Africa were represented. Colors, music, traditions and flavors of these countries, exhibitions, stands, bazaars, typical gastronomy, ceremonies, folklore shows, massages and natural medicines (holistic therapy and bio-disciplines), concerts, ballet, dances, martial arts with champions of Europe, exhibitions and numerous conference. And all this for only 3 days of work, from morning till late evening.

Asia, the Middle East and North Africa were represented, photo © Evgeny Utkin

This year Mongolia was quite fully represented, with its nomadic culture, traditional yurt, as well as songs and dances. As usual, a lot of space was given to Japan, there was also a ceremony of wearing a kimono, and a tea ceremony, and a traditional portrait and, of course, calligraphy. China was represented by dancing (China Pearl), traditional singing (Miou sang a song specially created by the Italian DJ).

Chinese singer Miou, photo © Evgeny Utkin

Korea was represented both by traditional dances and a group of drummers. As usual, many guests from India, with their Bollywood, and live scenes from the films. Particular attention was paid to Thailand, a fantastic country of smiles, which gives emotions in a string of shows, tasting local food, massages and dances.

Guests from India, photo © Evgeny Utkin

Of course, it can not do without traditional belly dancing (also in the male version), show-oriental martial arts and acrobatic yoga, it was practiced not only on the stage, but also on the mats laid out right on the show. As usual, there were many Tibetan stands where it was possible to buy Tibetan singing bowls and bells. And, of course, you can buy different spices, tea, herbs, creams, ointments and souvenirs. Make almost any massage (including on a hammock).

Evgeny Utkin at the Festival dell'Oriente, photo © Evgeny Utkin

The children were delighted with the tricks - "Chinese Chang" (in fact, it's the Italian Rolando Dubini, who helps with his tricks to sick children) and the Japanese wizard Keiichi Iwasaki, who performed at the festival for the first time. Keiichi Iwasaki particularly surprised everyone, forcing objects to move through the air, turning paper into bills of 5 euros, and then in ten, and taking bottles of beer from the air. And all this in the middle of the hall, among people. From 8 to 11 February they will perform at the Carnaval in Venice, in the Piazza San Marco and Cannaregio.

Rolando Dubini and Keichi Iwasaki hit the audience with tricks, photo © Evgeny Utkin

And, of course, if you were hungry, there were many restaurants. From Italian with pizza, to Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Indian and other ethnic restaurants. To all tastes - meat and vegan.

Evgeny Utkin, Italy, Milan

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