(ANSA) - Rome, May 4 - Even as Milan shook off the violent protests that marred Expo 2015's opening and continued with the world's fair, a judge on Monday ordered that five people be held in custody in connection with the clashes.
    They denied allegations that they took part in anti-Expo clashes that turned violent on Friday as the six-month long world's fair officially opened.
    The clashes, which police say were proved by masked and hooded provocateurs infiltrating an anti-Expo march, caused major disruption and destruction.
    The march degenerated into violence when some masked individuals began lobbing Molotov cocktails and paper bombs at police, setting cars on fire, and destroying shop windows.
    But Milan residents quickly banded together to clean up.
    On Sunday some 20,000 people took part in a rally entitled Hands Off Milan and many locals volunteered to lend a hand with the clean-up operation after Friday's protests.
    Milan Expo Commissioner Giuseppe Sala on Monday hailed the city's response to the vandalism and violent protests. He said that Expo's opening weekend was a huge success, drawing in around half a million visitors.
    "The response of the city, the region and of many foreigners, as there were many foreigners in Milan yesterday, was extraordinary," Sala told the RTL 102.5 radio station Monday.
    Milan Mayor Giuliano Pisapia said that the city will help those hurt by the violent protests.
    "We will give a contribution that will give the sense of solidarity throughout the city to those who have suffered damage," he said.
    The Lombardy regional government also announced a fund of more than one million euro to offset damages.
    Roberto Maroni, Lombardy governor, said that officials were studying whether legal action could be taken to pursue protesters for costs of repairing damage.
    Meanwhile, visitors continued to arrive Monday at the food-themed fair, which runs through October 31 under the banner Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life with a focus on nutrition and fighting hunger worldwide.
    Premier Matteo Renzi expressed the high hopes that organizers have for Expo to give the Italian economy, long mired in recession, a significant boost as he officially opened the event.
    Italy's "tomorrow starts today," said Renzi at Friday's ceremonies.
    "The most beautiful enterprise starts today," he added.
    "Let's demonstrate with Expo that Italy is proud of its roots, of its traditions," he added.
    "Our dizzying past calls on us to build and not just remember," the premier added.
    Renzi expressed pride at the preparations for Expo and what it will mean for Italy over the next six months, when an estimated 20 million people, including eight million foreigners, are expected to visit.