Between September 25 and 27, the MUSMI and the Parco della Biodiversità Mediterranea in Catanzaro drew over 6,000 visitors for a joint cultural and sporting weekend featuring the 16th International Bonsai and Suiseki Exhibition “Perla dello Jonio” and the second edition of the Martial Arts Festival. The weekend events, promoted by the “Perla dello Jonio” association under president Nicola Gallelli, generated full occupancy across local accommodations by blending botanical curation, artisan crafts, and Eastern athletic disciplines.
Catanzaro Establishes Italy’s First Permanent Bonsai Art Garden
The weekend marked a significant milestone for Italy’s botanical heritage with the official inauguration of the country’s first public and permanent bonsai art garden. The centerpiece of this new installation is “Il Getsemani,” a monumental botanical sculpture conceived by instructor Paolo Colaianni alongside association members, housed within a wrought-iron structure forged by artist Nuccio Loreti.
Reinforcing the international scope of the Catanzaro exhibition, organizers announced a partnership with “The Trophy” in Genk, Belgium. Beginning in 2027, the Calabrian exhibition will officially award an international special prize dedicated to the best Mediterranean bonsai.
Martial Arts Festival Brings Hundreds of Athletes to the Amphitheater
Adjacent to the botanical exhibitions, the amphitheater hosted the Second Martial Arts Festival. Organized by Shihan Danilo Russo with patronage from CONI Catanzaro and the Libertas organization, along with backing from Acqua Calabria, the program featured demonstrations from hundreds of athletes.
The showcase spanned multiple disciplines and regional academies:
- Judo under master Giuseppe Gallelli of Life in Sport
- Kyokushin Karate led by Shihan Danilo Russo of Satori Dojo – Sport Ring
- Wushu presented by master Massimo Scalzo of the Accademia Centrale Wushu Catanzaro
- Kung Fu and Eastern arts directed by masters Lino Perlongo and Angela Palaia of the Long Dao Academy
- Okinawan Uechi-Ryu Karate instructed by master Maurizio Di Stefano
- Shotokan Karate represented by masters Claudio Miceli and Domenico Mercurio of Musokan Karate
The multidisciplinary lineup also incorporated Eastern dance performances by Lelah Kaur and wellness sessions managed by Danilo Brofferio’s Centro Massaggi Relab. Sharon Lomanno served as master of ceremonies, while Paolo Morace oversaw the event installations.
In closing remarks, association president Nicola Gallelli and Shihan Danilo Russo thanked participating instructors, athletes, families, and institutional partners, confirming plans for the festival’s third edition.
