'Party' in the ancient Roman arena?

The new director of the Colosseum has dismissed rumors that it will host an electronic music party at the nearly 2,000-year-old site, insisting the arena is only for cultural activities that respect history.

View of the ancient Roman Colosseum in Rome - Photo: AP

Immediately after taking office as Director of the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum on October 20, Mr. Simone Quilici became the center of attention when social networks spread the news that Rome was about to organize a "rave party" (an electronic music party) right in the ancient Roman arena.

In the face of heated comments, he officially spoke up to end the misunderstanding.

In an interview with the Associated Press on October 24, Mr. Simone Quilici affirmed that there are absolutely no plans to organize electronic music parties or vibrant music festivals at the Colosseum:

"There is no way to turn this ancient arena into a dance floor. This is a sacred space that needs to be respected."

"If we talk about music, we can imagine an artist like Sting, that's the type of space and energy that fits the Colosseum," said Simone Quilici - Photo: AP

The Colosseum, built in the 1st century AD, is now one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world with about 9 million visitors each year, up from 7 million last year - Photo: AP

Future cultural activities at the Colosseum will focus on light performing arts such as acoustic concerts, jazz performances, poetry, dance and drama - Photo: tickets-rome

Previously, some Italian newspapers quoted Mr. Simone Quilici about "opening the Colosseum to modern music", making social networks understand that he was preparing to organize large-scale electronic music parties.

The phrase “Colosseum party” quickly became a source of controversy. The new director said his remarks were misinterpreted due to the way they were translated and reported online, leading to widespread rumors.

According to Mr. Simone Quilici, the large number of visitors is putting significant pressure on the relic.

He said it was necessary to re-distribute the flow of visitors, encouraging them to visit more neighboring areas such as Palatine Hill or the Roman Forum to reduce the load on the arena.

Mr. Simone Quilici also emphasized that all event planning must strictly comply with heritage conservation regulations:

"Music and art at the Colosseum must contribute to the historical value, not overshadow it. We want the Colosseum to come alive with music and art, but they must be sounds of reverence, not of chaos."

Heritage experts in Italy consider Mr. Simone Quilici's reaction necessary, in the context of public opinion becoming increasingly sensitive to the commercialization of ancient relics.

Some argue that while the public approach needs to be renewed, the Colosseum should still be seen as a cultural and spiritual symbol of Rome, not a venue for mass events.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/quay-o-dau-truong-la-ma-co-dai-20251027110517764.htm