Jesolo and VIPs, a never-ending story
by Alessio Conforti
The celebrities of today, the artists of yesterday and the stars of tomorrow. Jesolo over the years has maintained its dynamic appeal and draws artists of national and international fame. This is the way it has been since the 60’s onwards. From when, in fact, a tradition began which over time has become a consolidated event summer after summer, enriching this resort with one of the most in vogue names of that moment. A trend that has continued through 2000 onwards, thanks to “Lungomare delle Stelle”, a walk of fame, where a stretch of Jesolo is named after celebrities who have contributed to making the history of Italy.
But let’s start at the beginning and turn back the tape to the years of the economic boom, the 60’s and 70’s. Already at that time celebrities passed through Jesolo. A few examples? Some of the great names in music as Fred Bongusto, Caterina Caselli, Adriano Celentano, Domenico Modugno and Mina. And not to mention, Ray Charles, Ornella Vanoni, Patty Pravo, Rocky Roberts and the Kessler twins. Without forgetting Franco Califano, Gino Paoli, Peppino di Capri, the actor Franco Fabrizi, Moira Orfei, the champion Gino Bartali and TV presenter Corrado Mantoni.
A list which over time has become longer and richer in famous names, names that in ”Lugomare delle Stelle” have left their handprints as Alberto Sordi, Gina Lollobrigida, Andrea Bocelli, Katia Ricciarelli, Carla Fracci and Mike Bongiorno. And what about Lino Banfi, Mara Venier, Christian De Sica, Nancy Brilli, Sofia Loren, Professor Umberto Veronesi, the sport Champions Alessandro Del Piero and Federica Pellegrini. The band the Pooh and the Paralympic champion Bebe Vio and not to mention artists that have performed at the venue Palazzo del Turismo starting with Bob Dylan, Nek, Max Pezzali, Francesco Renga, Gianni Morandi, Emma Marrone, Laura Pausini and, just a few weeks ago, Loredana Bertè.
Names that will never be deleted from the hearts of fans, nor from the history of Jesolo, written by tourists from all over the world and by the local residents of all ages. A tradition of VIPs filled with smiles, takes and today, selfies using latest generation phones. Moments, which may perhaps never return but will certainly stay. Looking ahead to welcome the next celebrity, the next name, a new star to add to the already rich constellation.
