A festive installation in the Italian coastal town of Pesaro has sparked national controversy after officials encased a bronze statue of opera legend Luciano Pavarotti knee-deep in ice as part of a temporary Christmas ice rink. The move has drawn sharp criticism from the tenor’s widow, Nicoletta Mantovani, who called the decision disrespectful and humiliating to her late husband’s memory.
The statue, unveiled in April 2024 in the town’s central piazza, was surrounded by plexiglass panels and ice as the rink opened to the public on 29 November. Images quickly went viral, showing the world-famous singer’s likeness appearing to stand frozen inside the seasonal attraction—prompting an emotional response from his family and fans.
Widow Calls Decision ‘Absurd’ and ‘Ridiculing’
Speaking to Italian newspaper Il Resto del Carlino, Mantovani expressed outrage at how the tribute had been treated.
“I am angry and upset. I didn’t expect a town would allow this treatment of the memory and the image of a person who made Italy great around the world.”
Mantovani accused Pesaro’s council of a “poorly executed, absurd decision,” saying the temporary display ridiculed one of Italy’s most celebrated musical figures. She said the family was shocked to see how the statue had been incorporated into the installation without consultation.
Pavarotti, widely regarded as one of the greatest opera voices in history, died in 2007 and is remembered worldwide for his iconic performances, including Nessun Dorma at the 1990 World Cup and his work with The Three Tenors.
Mayor Issues Apology, Blames Miscommunication
Pesaro mayor Andrea Biancani issued a public apology following backlash, acknowledging that the plan had been mishandled.
“We made a mistake and I apologise. We didn’t mean to offend anyone.”
Biancani claimed initial design proposals for the ice rink did not involve covering the statue, and that construction complications forced changes late in the planning process. He admitted he discovered the final layout only after alterations were made.
The mayor also said it is now impossible to dismantle the rink or move the statue due to structural and timing constraints, but promised that such an incident would “not happen again.”
Before the rink opened, Biancani shared a promotional image on social media showing the statue digitally edited to appear playing ice hockey, accompanied by the hashtag #DaiUnCinqueAPavarotti (“Give a high-five to Pavarotti”). The post intensified criticism, with many accusing the council of turning a cultural monument into a publicity stunt.
A Town with Deep Personal Connections
The life-size sculpture was installed to honour Pavarotti’s lasting legacy. The singer frequently holidayed in Pesaro, owned a villa there, and was named an honorary citizen. Mantovani and daughter Alice attended the unveiling ceremony last year.
While the rink cannot currently be altered, the controversy has renewed conversation about how public art and cultural heritage should be protected.
For now, the town hopes the seasonal attraction will still draw visitors, even as online debate continues over “Pavarotti on Ice,” as Italian media have labeled the row.
