On the night before the Sagra del Pesce, Fish Festival, in Camogli there is a parade through the town, fireworks and bonfires on the beach.
We had other plans for the day of the festival but were there for the evening festivities. We arrived in the afternoon and walked around this lovely town again.
On the way in we spotted a fishing boat sailing out of the harbour for a night’s work.
The harbour looked fabulous in the afternoon sunshine.
We climbed up the stairs to the church and the castle for a good view of the huge frypan being prepared for the festival the next day.
It seems that the area where the church and the old castle stand was once an island.
The interior of the Basilica Santa Maria Assunta is very elaborate.
The statue involved in the street parade was on its carrier waiting to be taken through the town.
This one is impressive too.
The Castel Dragone is imposing.
We walked on into the town. There are tiny laneways and lots of stairs in Camogli.
The painted buildings are stunning.
Garibaldi gets around.
The Camogli dragon boat was on display as part of the festivities.
The boat travels the world to compete in races. Here it is in Venice. (Photo from poster)
The giant cake on the beach is one of the structures waiting to be set on fire.
After dinner we positioned ourselves on a terrace beside the sea to wait for things to begin.
The sun slowly disappeared.
We waited and we waited…
The parade was a bit of a disappointment. We were expecting bands, music and something amazing.
There was no band, no music, just these being carried down the street. I almost missed it as I had gone into a shop to buy a bottle of water.
Then it was another wait until the fireworks began…at 11.30. By this time we had been waiting for hours. The crowds streadily grew and finally things started to happen.
My photos of the fireworks were not much good and in the end I just stood there and watched. Here are a few that are OK.
At end of the fireworks the church was lit beautifully and the bonfires began.
The fireworks are some of the best I have seen anywhere, and the church looked incredible, but waiting for 4 hours was a bit much. It is always difficult to find out ahead of time what time these events start. Even if you can find something they are often late.
I would definitely attend the event again, but plan ahead a bit better and find a hotel with a view of the beach and watch in comfort.
I have to comment on the well natured crowd, many of whom waited as long as we did. The atmosphere was cheerful, with children playing under the watchful eyes of their parents and everyone out to enjoy themselves. Italians do this very well.