A pat on the back to Rimini, traditionally known as a seaside resort, but is now extending its season to attract tourists all year long. The first, most important, initiative has been the acclaimed Worlds Longest New Years Eve, where 50,000 people celebrated the midnight hour, packed into Piazzale Fellini, Piazza Cavour and the surrounding streets of the historic centre.
Along with the artistes, Rimini mayor Andea Gnassi toasted with the crowd from the outdoor stage in front of the famous Grand Hotel, while a massive firework display erupted from the seafront.
Entertainment to suit all tastes and age groups pulsed from dusk to dawn, with pop concerts, disco, folk and ballroom dancing venues, all night cinema showing Rimini son Federico Fellinis major masterpieces, opera performances of Verdis La Traviata, art exhibitions, an ice village, sand Nativity creations at the port and archaeological visits to local sites.
This is the second year that Rimini has put on this major New Year celebration event, with renewed success. 400 Rimini hotels stayed open to accommodate the visitors over the 2-3 days of festivities. Most offered special all-inclusive 3-day packages to suit all pockets.
Info: www.riminiturismo.it
