A Month in Bella Italia

[Flutterby]

Aha, so that was the sacristy...thought so!

"Fare la scarpetta"...I've never heard that phrase before!

[Lisbeth]

No photos of our beer drinking? We were too thirsty and tired too think about it It was a nice break though

RP, funny for YOU!

(Not that I knew it was the Sacristy, I just asked Google )

[Flutterby]

Looking at the pics reminds of how close the tables are to each other in all the restaurants in Italy...no place for private conversations!

[Lisbeth]

It is on the sidewalk, there is very little space but each chair means one more meal = more money for the owner

This place seemed to very popular and most likely fills up twice for each meal. We arrived very late and we were lucky to find a table

[Flutterby]

[Pumbaa]

WoW - What an Incredible beautiful city, Flutterby and Lis

and thanks for all your stunning shots

The food is looking yummy as well

[Flutterby]

Thanks for continuing to visit and comment Pumbaa!

[Flutterby]

Lis was leaving the next day, and I was doing some online teaching so I didn't get to see her before she left, but it was so lovely seeing her again!!

In the morning I took a quick walk to the shops to get some necessities. I did this walk most days and it was most pleasant.

The fresh fruit and veg stall.

005.JPG (167.77 KiB) Viewed 191 times

Our apartment was to right of the cyclist.

006.JPG (166.28 KiB) Viewed 191 times

According to Christian tradition, on 8th September of an unknown year, the Virgin Mary was born somewhere near Nazareth. In Florence, the large basilica of Santissima Annunziata is dedicated to her worship and thus her birthday is a day of celebration. In order to arrive to the religious services on time, many started their journey before the break of dawn. The farmers needed lanterns and these were often carried at the end of sticks, candles protected by a frame made of thin cloth. The tradition continues today so that on the eve of the 8th of September, Florentines and other "pilgrims" carry paper lanterns at the end of a stick as they make their way through the streets of Florence, from Piazza Santa Felicita to Piazza Santissima Annunziata, guided by the Cardinal. A speech is made in the square, followed by a final party in the square. This ferstival is known as La Festa della Rificolona - Festival of the Paper Lanterns.

The Basilica of Santissima Annunziata is the building on the right.

012.JPG (147.94 KiB) Viewed 191 times

The lanterns come in all shapes and sizes, some are home-made and others are bought.

020.JPG (131.53 KiB) Viewed 191 times

024.JPG (124.58 KiB) Viewed 191 times

After the procession, it is traditional for the children to blow wads of paper with pea shooters to try and make holes in the lanterns, thus breaking the paper and causing them to catch alight.

066.jpg (180.84 KiB) Viewed 191 times

Children will then add their lanterns to their fire until they are all burnt.

082.jpg (193.52 KiB) Viewed 191 times

During all of this there was a band performing Italian songs and many other well-known favourites, and it wasn't long before everyone was dancing in the square!

139.JPG (152.96 KiB) Viewed 191 times

This is the Brat with his then-flatmate on the left, and his current flatmate in the centre.

130.JPG (126.52 KiB) Viewed 191 times

118.JPG (168.37 KiB) Viewed 191 times

It was such a festive evening and we stayed right until the end.


The band and professional dancers.

144.JPG (161 KiB) Viewed 191 times

[Lisbeth]

Must have been a lovely evening. Sacro e profano

Those warm evenings are great for anything, but dancing in a square in Florence must come just after doing it in Capri

[Richprins]

Lovely memories, Flutts!

Are there no fat people in Italy?
Healthy buggers!

Thanks for the interesting info.