Italy is to hold its first divorce fair in Milan this weekend and, in a country where the divorce rate has increased by 77% in 15 years, it is expected to be a success.
The fair, Il Salone del divorzio – Ex-punto a capo has been organised by Franco Zanetti, who told Reuters that he had been inspired by a similar fair in Vienna two years ago.
Visitors to the Milan event will be able to obtain advice on everything from divorce planning to how to deal with stalkers. Private detectives, marriage guidance counsellors, psychologists and beauticians will all be on hand to help and there will even be a “Little Shop of Horrors Exchange” where the newly single will be able to exchange wedding gifts or belongings which remind them of their exes.
A particularly Italian touch will be the “divorce list” which divorcing Italians or their friends can open at Fnac – just like a wedding list, really.
“Smiling”, said Mr Zanetti, “is the key to this event, which will offer serious advice for a dramatic situation”.
Would you give a friend a “divorce present”?
A scene from the Italian comedy "Divorce Italian style" (with English subtitles):
