The return of serenades

“Ciumachella, Ciumachella of Trastevere, you’re the eighth wonder of my Rome; if a painter tried to capture you, he wouldn’t know where to begin…”
Stornelli—or rather serenades—are the songs a suitor would sing beneath his beloved’s balcony to win her heart. These traditions date back centuries. Some of them faded away, but now and then they spring back to life, proof of a culture that stubbornly refuses to die out…

Customs like these still call for caution. Take what happened in Rimini: a 24-year-old showed up under his crush’s window armed with a bouquet and his smartphone, crooning a love declaration over a rap track—just like old-fashioned serenades, minus the guitar. You might think she’d swoon, but instead she felt harassed. Two days later she went to the police, filed a complaint, and obtained a restraining order.

Contrary to popular belief, serenades didn’t originate in Rome but in 15th-century Naples. Back then, theatrical verse and lauds were all the rage, but the ordinary folk turned to serenades—just voice and guitar—to express their feelings openly and poetically. Between the 1500s and 1800s, the ensemble grew to include flute and mandolin, becoming the province of nobles who could afford such refined seduction.

In 1893 the first Roman serenade was composed and performed by Ettore Petrolini. By 1904, it had paved the way for countless others. In modern times, who can forget Rugantino? Armando Trovajoli’s witty texts perfectly capture the spirit of 19th-century papal Rome—mischievous yet unyielding.

Tradition often spawns innovation. Today a groom-to-be can choose to sing himself with a small ensemble or hire professionals—so long as he’s present. Whether you’re reciting romantic couplets, reading a poem, or launching into a favorite tune’s opening bars, pack plenty of humor and enough boldness to let your emotions shine through in a smile.

Every aspect must be planned to the last detail. Factor in logistics—consider your neighbors, street traffic, timing—plus lighting and the setting, which will serve as your stage. Friends make perfect accomplices to keep everything under wraps. Never forget: the element of surprise is absolutely essential.

As for equipment, go for instruments that are easy to transport, simple to set up, and deliver solid acoustics. Imagine a brightly painted, fully equipped VW bus that can hold your band and a silent power inverter, or opt for a battery-powered amp. Lightweight and portable, it will be the key to making your serenade heard with crystal-clear sound.