I had heard that there was to be a gathering of school children at the sports stadium nearby to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Italian unification.
Fortunately I was a bit late starting off, otherwise I would have missed the march to the stadium. I was heading off and I heard the familiar strains of the Italian national anthem from what sounded like the loudspeakers mounted on the little car I saw the other day. I hung back to see the car. Sure enough, it was the little Panda driven by the chap wearing the hat of the Bersaglieri.
the parade to the stadium
the Sindaco (mayor) and police lead the group
the colours of Italy
a young patriotic Italian
the crowd gathers
a perfect day for a celebration
the mayor made a speech
children sang and played instruments
children on parade
There was a display of rhythmic gymnastics. What they lacked in precision timing, they more than made up for with happy enthusiasm.
kids having fun
red, white and green crowd
It was great seeing the old soldiers joining in.
Alpino, left and Bersagliero, right
2 more happy soldiers
Stefano
Stefano and Alessandro – 2 handsome Italian men
At the end of the celebrations everyone joined in for the Italian anthem. I wish I knew the words. It was a great morning. I wouldn’t have missed it for quids.
Grazie per una bella festa. Viva Italia!
The hats of the bersaglieri are amazing…do you know what kind of feather that is? Perfect day. Perfect sky. Here too.
By: anntmoore on March 21, 2011
at 3:34 pm
The feathers are from the capercaillie – wood grouse. These soldiers used to jog instead of march. I once saw a Bersaglieri band who ran while playing their instruments, most impressive.
By: bagnidilucca on March 21, 2011
at 4:34 pm
Great pics, thanks. I’ve spotted one son in the crowd, holding up a green card, haven’t spotted the other yet.
By: From a Tuscan Villa on March 21, 2011
at 7:25 pm
I hope you find the other one. It was amazing to see so many children, when there are so few out and about most of the time.
By: bagnidilucca on March 21, 2011
at 9:23 pm
Good to see the locals celebrating their nationalism. Those grouse feather hats must be very heavy, judging from the way they tilt to the side; or, is that how they wear them? I enjoyed the pictures, Deb, especially the ones of the children. The little patriot is very cute even though she looked so solemn. Maybe, she was feeling overwhelmed by the occasion?
By: Sandra H on March 21, 2011
at 9:13 pm
I think the hats are worn to the side. Some of them have very long feathers. It was a fun day.
By: bagnidilucca on March 21, 2011
at 9:21 pm
My friend Sharon who married a Tuscan, (you might have heard me mention her) has the very same hat that her husband Francesco wears but I haven’t noticed before how much to the side it is worn, very fetching.
Also isn’t that little girl in the cream coat such a wonderful example of how the Italians love to dress well, it starts early. You are in the right place Deb. Ciao Roz
By: Roz on March 21, 2011
at 9:30 pm
The children here are mostly beautifully dressed – yes they start early.
By: bagnidilucca on March 21, 2011
at 9:38 pm
Nice to see multi-generation participation!
By: Karen Overton on March 22, 2011
at 1:12 am
Everybody have a great day and seemed happy to be there. The old men, and that handsome young one, were delighted to pose for photos.
By: bagnidilucca on March 22, 2011
at 6:23 am
How fantastic to see your photographs of our good friend and neighbour Stefano who looks so splendid in his feathers. We look forward, as always, to returning in April. Your photos and comments keep us going here in England through the long Winter months. Thank you.
By: valeria on March 22, 2011
at 8:22 am
I’m glad you enjoyed the photos of the day. Stefano seems like a delightful man, and so handsome in his hat.
By: bagnidilucca on March 22, 2011
at 11:45 am
I’m totally wowed by the bersaglieri’s hats! 😮
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on March 22, 2011
at 9:17 am
To see a whole group of them running with those hats on is amazing.
By: bagnidilucca on March 22, 2011
at 11:44 am
Hi Liz,
Lovely photos. The stadium, also the lovely Le Torre farmhouse can be seen on the hill. Grazie.
Interesting goings on in Brisbane. The Brisbane Lord Mayor interested in becoming the next Qld. Premier.
Cheers Judy.
By: Judy on March 22, 2011
at 10:24 am
It was a great day. Campbell Newman might just do it. A lot of people don’t like Bligh.
By: bagnidilucca on March 22, 2011
at 11:43 am
The Italians love a parade and a dress-up, don’t they? Thanks for taking photos to share with us … 🙂
By: Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial on March 22, 2011
at 7:15 pm
They do love a parade, and I did too.
By: bagnidilucca on March 22, 2011
at 8:08 pm
How fantastic, I gotta say lovely, I am SO jealous of your life, to see the wonderful things you see. I am crazy about Italy, and this here parade looks awesome.
By: Anna Johnston on March 23, 2011
at 6:27 am
It was fun and I am so glad I was part of it.
By: bagnidilucca on March 23, 2011
at 6:37 am
[…] here for the full […]
By: What’s happening in Bagni di Lucca? « Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on July 24, 2011
at 6:27 am
Deb-Where is this stadium located? I would like to find it in Oct when I come back for a week-I am vowing to do no day trip touristy things and stay in town to learn more …love all your detailed info as usual.
By: Melonie Carideo on July 24, 2011
at 6:59 am
The stadium is between Ponte a Serraglio and Fornoli – on the right heading towards Fornoli. There is lots to do in the village if you look for it. I will be back in October too.
By: bagnidilucca on July 24, 2011
at 7:39 am
[…] here to see the festival at Ponte a Serraglio and here for the flags flying in the […]
By: Looking back over 2011 « Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on December 30, 2011
at 5:22 am