Ferragosto in Pula
on Tina's Journal (China), 16/Aug/2010 19:31, 34 days ago
Yesterday was Ferragosto, one of the biggest national holidays in Italy. It's celebrated on the 15th August and falls on the same day as the 'Assumption of Mary' a catholic religious festival which represents the Madonna rising up to heaven. Italians flock to the beaches, stay together with friends/family over a big meal for either lunch or dinner. As it falls on a religious day many towns and villages will celebrate the Assunzione. I caught the end of the procession of the Madonna into Pula from Nora last night. I was surprised at how serious most of the onlookers were, people didn't seem as jovial as usual. Even one of the musicians on stage in the main Piazza was trying to get the audience roused, not with much success. Perhaps it was due to the sheer amount of people that had headed into the town, slightly more than normal..who knows! Pula by night in the summer is usually swarming with locals and tourists sitting in the bars/restaurants in the main square or who wander around looking at the handicraft stalls. There's always a lovely relaxed friendly atmosphere, kids that play together happily. I have never seen any aggressive behaviour.It was nice last night to catch up with my friend Dani, have a girly chat, listen to the music and have a drink after a delicious artisan ice-cream!!