By Lu Xinyan

Recently, Mario Razzanelli, a former Florence city councilor in his 80s, submitted a formal proposal at Florence City Hall calling for the establishment of an official "Ningbo Day."

Razzanelli proposed October 21 as the commemorative date, citing its symbolic significance for both cities. On that date nineteen years ago, a full-scale replica of Michelangelo's David was unveiled in Ningbo, an event that drew wide attention in both China and Italy and became a milestone in cultural exchanges between the two cities.

Razzanelli played a key role in advancing that exchange. In 2003, while serving as a Florence city councilor and president of the Florence Menswear Association, he made his first trip to China to attend the Ningbo International Fashion Festival. Impressed by the city, he began promoting exchanges between Ningbo and Florence.

Over the past 22 years, Razzanelli has traveled to China 68 times, facilitating partnerships in culture and trade. In recognition of his contributions, he was named an honorary citizen of Ningbo and has been dubbed a "modern-day Marco Polo" by his collaborators in Ningbo.

Ties between the two cities deepened steadily under these efforts. Following the installation of David in Ningbo in 2006, Florence and Ningbo formally established sister-city relations in 2008. Subsequent milestones included the unveiling of a bronze bust of Dante Alighieri in Ningbo in 2011 and the opening of the China (Ningbo)–Italy Industrial Park in 2014.

Razzanelli also pointed to historical connections between the two cities. A 13th-century map of China preserved in Florence's Palazzo Vecchio includes the Latin inscription for Ningbo. He noted that the proposal for "Ningbo Day" coincides with the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy.

Under the proposal, "Ningbo Day" would serve as a platform for expanded cooperation, including mayoral-level exchanges, joint cultural exhibitions and performances, and business partnerships focused on sustainable technology and fashion innovation.

The initiative has received positive responses from Florence officials. Giovanni Bettarini, Florence's councilor for culture, described the proposal as a meaningful step in strengthening cultural ties, while Massimo Manetti, president of the Florence Chamber of Commerce, pledged support. The Ningbo Foreign Affairs Office said the initiative could inject new momentum into the sister-city relationship.