Italians have been on lockdown since the start of last week in an effort to slow down the cases of COVID-19 in the country. Everything that isn’t deemed necessary is closed, from schools to museums to cinemas to gyms. Cities and towns alike are empty, with only a few people walking their dogs out and about. It’s a difficult situation for everybody; however, the Italian spirit remains strong, and music proves it.
Much like the quarantined Chinese in Wuhan did and how the Spanish are starting to do now, for a couple of days, Italians have been opening up their windows and stepping out onto their balconies towards the end of the afternoon to sing traditional songs together, or their national anthem, or famous Italian tunes. This act symbolizes community and solidarity for the doctors, nurses, and patients in the hospitals, as well as for the country in general—a way of saying to each other, “we’ll get through this.”
The “Italian balconies” phenomenon has been happening from north to south. In Turin, they’re dancing the Macarena:
Similarly, in Sicily, they’re singing one of the island’s most famous traditional songs titled “Çiuri, çiuri,” which translates to “Flowers, flowers.”
In Salerno, it’s the national anthem being sung, while in Siena, it’s a traditional song dedicated to “our Siena.” Moreover, Naples is also partaking in this cultural revival.
Consequently, the entire country is singing, finding ways to be together even at a distance, combining their voices in this unique expression of unity during difficult times.
