Today is Ferragosto in Italy. This day celebrates the Assumption of Mary into heaven, it is a public holiday and also marks the beginning of the summer holidays for many. In the big cities especially, many shops and factories close for two weeks at least.
In Panicale the Mass was held at the church of the Madonna of the Sbarra. This church is most often used as a venue for musical events.
It is an occasion for a big gathering of family and friends with lots of food and fun. We celebrated with a bottle of Prosecco.
In the early evening Kel went to a classical music and poetry fundraising event in the Sbarra church, then at 9.30 pm we went up to the piazza for gelati. Crowds of locals were enjoying a drink and a talk and the piazza was really buzzing. After 11 pm the restaurants were still busy, people were enjoying gelati and the fountain was a good spot to sit and watch the world.
You have to admire a society that mixes readily and goes out to enjoy conversation and company rather than staying at home watching television.
Oh yes indeed!
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