The idea to celebrate New Year with a "collective kiss" was invented by "Love 2008" project organizers, who invited all the volunteers regardless of age, sex, nationality and religion to come to Venice in order to kiss as a sign of peace, love and consent.
"We wanted to bring back to this magical city the spirit of festival and joy of entertainments, and we did it", - said Silvia Napolitano, one of the action organizers.
On the night of January first San Marco square was really crowded out by Italians and numerous tourists, who came here from all parts of the world. In order to make access of visitors to the unusual ceremony easier, the national Railways organized a dozen of special trains, which ensured uninterrupted communication between Venice and other cities of north Italy on the New Year's Eve.
The action was also supported by the city authorities, which installed huge television screens on the square, where the shots of the most famous kisses of the world cinema history were shown.
At the moment of the "collective kiss" the rain of silver stars and hearts spilled on gathered people, and then a brilliant show took place at San Marco, that was organized by choreographer Jack Doug, who has been involved in the organization of solemn ceremonies on the Olympic Games. |