BACA President, Palermo Mayor discuss cultural cooperation

Palermo, Feb. 20 (BNA): President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa met with the Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando during her visit to Italy. She was briefed on the history of the city of Palermo and its cultural landmarks that are attracting tourism and developing the local economy. The mayor was also briefed on the history of Bahrain and its cultural activities in the upcoming Spring of Culture Festival that will include a special concert from the Massimo Theater in Palermo. The meeting discussed the importance of cultural exchange between civilizations, especially since Palermo has a history with Arab culture that goes back hundreds of years. BACA President praised the mayor's vision to restore life to cultural events, especially in the famous Massimo Theater. "The theater was built a century and a quarter ago, and it is coming to life again under Mayor Orlando,” she said. Shaikha Mai visited cultural and historical landmarks in Palermo and attended Simon Boccanegra Opera by Giuseppe Verdi at the Massimo Theater, featuring international opera singer Plácido Domingo.