WaterFire: From Rhode Island to Rome

ROME, ITALY (WPRI) - The Rhode Show was the only local media invited to accompany the WaterFire team as they took the unique art event overseas for a lighting in the Italian capital of Rome. This marked the first WaterFire in all of Europe. 

The planning and preparation was all worth it upon seeing the finished product. Thousands took to the Tiber River as WaterFire made its way from one capital city to another.

• Photos: Ciao Italy! WaterFire debuts in Rome

"In an ancient city, to be able to bring something so basic as the elements of fire and water and music and see that something that we began in providence still resonates in a place that's got so much more history and it's got people inspired,” said Bronwyn Dannenfelser, from WaterFire Providence.

For creator, Barnaby Evans, it was a dream come true.

"We've been working very hard on this for two years and for the last week, full time, round the clock, 24/7. And we've done it. this is the second lighting of WaterFire and it's a beautiful night in Rome again” Evans said.

He's quick to share the spotlight with the many who made it all possible.

"I'm honored and proud and also very grateful to all the volunteers, all of our sponsors, both in Providence as well,” said Evans.

Filling braziers all night long, the WaterFire volunteers worked hard into the night. They hardly had time to celebrate the first fires' impeccable turnout.

Just hours after Friday night's braziers died down, the team was back on the river building more fires.

If you thought the crowd were impressive on Friday, Saturday would've had you floored. Hundreds lined the bridge and gathered near the water in order to catch a glimpse of the spectacular event.

“The crowds seem to be responding very well and understanding the peace, and serenity and beauty of what we're doing here” said Dannenfelser.

No matter what country the crackling fires are in, people are able to connect with them.

"We're refueling I guess what I would call the soul of our communities and i would say if we can do that around the world then we're doing good,” Dannenfelser said.

In addition to the fires, performances awed the crowds.

"We worked with an American choreographer, Linda Foster, who choreographed seven separate works for here in Rome,” Evans said.

Friday and Saturday night proved WaterFire's global success.