Christmas Ice Rink “Traps” Statue of Luciano Pavarotti

Written by Chantal Gapato  |  December 2, 2025

In a controversial move this holiday season, a Christmas ice rink built in a central square of Pesaro has encased the life-size bronze statue of famed tenor Luciano Pavarotti nearly up to its knees — prompting widespread backlash. The statue, unveiled last year to honour Pavarotti in the coastal city where he once lived, was surrounded by the skating rink, and skaters were initially encouraged to “give him a high five,” a caption shared by the city’s mayor accompanied by the installation’s launch.

Following outrage from locals and condemnation from Pavarotti’s widow, Nicoletta Mantovani, the mayor, Andrea Biancini, publicly apologized for the oversight, admitting the decision had been a mistake. Mantovani said the situation left her “disappointed, angry and upset,” adding that the setup had ridiculed the memory of her late husband. The rink was set to open this weekend, but city officials acknowledged dismantling the entire structure would be impractical, citing high costs and the risk of damaging the statue.

Photo courtesy of Il Resto del Carlino