(4 April 2017) The Ente Friuli nel Mondo continues to broaden its horizons. The 158th Fogolâr Furlan will open in Vienna, presided by Stefania Zanier. The ceremony was held on Saturday April 1st at the Italian Cultural Institute of Vienna with the objective to promote cultural activities – in conjunction with other Fogolârs in the world – in order to spread the history, culture and language of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. The Vienna chapter focuses on developing collaborations between Austria and Friuli. The opening ceremony, sponsored by the Italian Embassy in Vienna started with opening remarks by the director of the Italian Cultural Institute, Fabrizio Iurlano followed by Verona Piccioni representing the Italian Embassy in Austria who underlined the importance of Italian associateships abroad. “We are truly happy that this moment has finally arrived. Today marks our official entry into the family of 158 Fogolârs Furlans. This worldwide partnership demonstrates the strong connection between the Friuli region and its inhabitants and how they are appreciated abroad. Our efforts are aimed to the growth of this association and to public programmes aimed at highlighting and promoting our wonderful native region, home to excellences made up of people, sites, culture, and businesses”. The president of ‘Ente Friuli nel mondo’ (Friuli Abroad), Adriano Luci, also attended the event and expressed his appreciation of the new Fogolâr: “It was an exciting opportunity to experience the atmosphere of a numerous group of Friulian people who share the same passions and professions and the intention to start a new Fogolâr, in a city like Vienna that offers a wide range of opportunities that reflect its dynamism, culture and traditions. Moreover, it is with great satisfaction that we have laid the foundation of ‘Ente Friuli abroad’ in Austria “. (PO / Red)
