The wedding of the world-famous Albanian singer Dua Lipa and actor Callum Turner in Palermo, Italy, has caused reactions from some of the local residents, who have placed protest posters on the streets of the city due to the restrictions and blockages set for the ceremony.
The singer traveled to Sicily to celebrate her marriage to Turner in a lavish ceremony, following their celebration in London last Sunday.
An increased police presence was seen in the area around Palazzo Valguarnera Gangi on Friday, while two of Palermo’s main squares are reported to be closed for the festivities. Residents have also been asked to sign confidentiality agreements, according to the Daily Mail.
In protest, residents have placed posters in the city center. Near Piazza Croce dei Vesperi, posters written in Italian and English bear messages such as: “Palermo is not for rent. Public spaces belong to everyone.” Others write: “Our square is not your salon” and “Palermo is not only for the rich”.
According to the Italian agency ANSA, the posters were torn down by members of the couple’s security.
Local media reports that the organizers have paid 11,500 euros to the municipality to rent the square where the activities are taking place, while strict parking restrictions have been imposed in the area until Saturday morning.
Businesses located in front of the square have been asked to remain closed, while residents with balconies overlooking the venue have been asked to keep shutters and curtains down.
Some local entrepreneurs have expressed their displeasure at being forced to close early on Friday evening, one of the busiest nights for social life in Palermo.
On Thursday evening, workers were installing decorative lighting along the square’s balconies and preparing a DJ stage.
The Galleria Moderna, located opposite the square, was also closed to the public at 14:00 on Friday, as it will be used as part of the celebrations. According to reports, this space was also rented for 11,500 euros.
Meanwhile, black covers have been placed on the roads leading to the Croce dei Vesperi square, blocking the view and access to the area. Security barriers have also been erected to create a secluded corridor so that VIP guests can arrive unnoticed by the public.
The celebrations started on Thursday evening with a cocktail party at the Villa Igiea hotel, where the couple and most of the guests are staying. Another sum of 10,000 euros has been paid to the local authorities of Bagheria, where another reception will take place on Saturday at Villa Valguanera.
For the security of the activity, over 50 bodyguards from Rome and London have been engaged, while the roads around Villa Valguanera have also been closed.
As part of the strict security measures, garbage cans have been removed and temporary no-fly zones have been established around Galleria Moderna and Villa Valguanera.
A resident who lives near Villa Valguanera told the Daily Mail: “I left the house to go shopping and passed by the villa, when two people stopped me. They were wearing black t-shirts with the inscription ‘security’ and asked me what I was doing. I explained that I live nearby and was going shopping. They had mistaken me for the paparazzi.”
In an interview with La Repubblica newspaper, the mayor of Palermo, Roberto Lagalla, expressed his delight that the couple chose the city for the wedding celebrations.
“The fact that an artist of international caliber such as Dua Lipa chose Palermo to celebrate her wedding, just one year after her previous visit to the city, confirms the appeal that Palermo has gained internationally.” he said.
“I understand the concern that activities of this magnitude can cause and I am sorry if anyone faces temporary restrictions. We are aware that extraordinary events can create dissatisfaction, but these are measures of limited duration. All measures taken are primarily designed to ensure the safety of participants and the public“, he said.
According to him, the positive impact that such events have on the image of the city should not be underestimated.
