Dua Lipa wedding sparks protests in Palermo

British pop star Dua Lipa and actor Callum Turner held a three‑day wedding celebration in Palermo, Sicily, after a private ceremony in London. The festivities featured celebrity guests such as Elton John, Donatella Versace, Charli XCX and Kylie Minogue, and were staged at venues including the Galleria d’Arte Moderna, Palazzo Gangi and the historic Villa Valguarnera in nearby Bagheria.

Municipal authorities closed several historic streets and plazas, deployed metal barriers, police and black curtains to limit public view, and restricted traffic to residents only. Local residents responded with protests, posting signs that read “Palermo is not for rent” and “Liberty of movement,” accusing the event of turning the city into a “theme park for the rich.” The opposition was organized by the Assembly Permanente di Resistenza al eccesso di Turismo (APRO Palermo), reflecting broader concerns over tourism pressure and disruption of daily life.

The wedding has drawn international media attention, highlighting both the economic boost from global exposure and the tension between celebrity events and community interests in the historic city.