It's Always a Something......

 

Caught the tail end of the procession

As I arose this morning, I thought I heard the clip-clop of horses, and upon looking out the bedroom window, it was indeed a caravan of Roma people heading toward the unknown. And that has been one of the joys of living in this small town; you never know what you will see and hear. 

When we first arrived, signage for the Fratta Dell' 800 was everywhere. Living in the historical center of the town means seeing the first hints of celebrations. This particular one is a biggie. Celebrating when Italy combined its provinces and became a nation, the townspeople dressed in 19th-century costumes set up makeshift trattorias around the area and competed for prizes. The sounds of the extensive festival were heard until well after 2:00 in the morning.

A week later, all businesses were closed to honor the patron saint of Umbertide, Mary. The night before, I heard a band, and sure enough, at 9:30 at night, a small parade appeared with priests, nuns, and other faithful holding banners and marching down the street.

The town sign and planters went away after the street fair was over. 

The next day, a mile-long street fair opened with stalls selling everything from candy to mattresses. That evening, the Umbertide Symphony played in the main piazza (a symphony for a town the size of Dover!) 

They were practicing tunes from "Star Wars."

This week, Umbertide is hosting a circus. It is fun to be a part of a community that places fun as a priority.