Another regular occurrence is Passeggiata (the correct spelling-too late to change my mosaic now-sorry) which occurs almost every night in the summertime, but through the year on Sunday nights, the citizens of Cortona come to the piazza to walk around and to visit with the other people of the town. Between the hours of about 5 and 7pm the people are drawn to the square. Across from the town hall there are some benches and the older people of Cortona rest there observing the others who arrive with their families, baby buggies and dogs on leashes. It's wonderful to see the interaction between people of all ages. I saw one woman arrive with her elderly mother who was wearing a lovely floral dress. They sat on the bench and took out their tatting which they worked on while they enjoyed the goings on in the piazza. Others sit at small tables and enjoy a glass of wine as they visit with friends and relatives. There are handshakes, kisses and smiles. People are happy as they sit in the evening light of Cortona. It's a wonderful tradition and lovely to see.
I'll be linking to Mary's Little Red House - a great place to learn what other
bloggers are thinking about this summer.
All collages and pictures can be enlarged with a click.
Thanks for visiting and I'll be back with part two of the Piazzas of Cortona next weekend.
I love the age old walls of the buildings. Meeting friends and rellies in the piazza is a great tradition. When we were in Spain our tour guide told us that they do this because their homes are too small to invite everyone to their house so they meet in the town squares.
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful place to gather and visit with friends. Thanks for sharing your photos, there are fabulous. Take care, Jen.
ReplyDeleteI so enjoyed those wedding photos, Sheila. I'm in a bridal mood - odd, because there are no weddings in our family this summer.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of everyone gathering in the early evening - sort of like the old-time front porch and sidewalk socializing that once took place in small towns.
What a wonderful tradition to have. I think many communities would benefit from having one just like it. Sounds charming in every way. What fun to see so many weddings! My favorite photo is watching the happy couple walk up the street while others turn to look. Who doesn't love to see a bride and groom?
ReplyDeleteMy first car was a Fiat 500 the earler version of the little white car you featured, with the net tied on the door handle!
ReplyDeleteLoved that car!
Maggie
It must have been wonderful to see so many wedding precessions! I alwasy get excited when I see a bride and groom posing for photos by a NYC landmark.
ReplyDeleteI do love the evening custom of passeggiata!(wouldn't that make a lovely blog name?) We did that in my husband's home town every evening along the lungomare (the shore line).
What a wonderful sense of community they share in Cortona.
ReplyDeleteCome for a visit when you have a moment The Gardening Life.
It looks like you had a fabulous time. How fun to spend the summer evenings in 'community'!
ReplyDeleteCertainly a sense of community in those villages. How lovely to see a wedding that progresses through the streets. V
ReplyDeleteLife in an Italian town seems full of tradition and beauty. What a lovely way to celebrate a wedding.
ReplyDeleteHi Sheila,
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun post! How nice that he people have a common gathering place, that is what our society is missing.
Really nice photos, I clicked on them in order to really see them.
Hugs, Cindy
What a wonderful place to visit! They do have a wonderful sense of community there. Beautiful pics!
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