La festa del ventuno d'agosto has begun

La festa  started today, August 19th  and will end on the 21st of August. Tonight,  the statue of the Madonna was carried to the marina  in a procession  consisting of dignitaries,  the music band and a large crowd of followers. She was then  placed aboard a large boat. As tradition dictates  she  was followed  by a large number of other crafts. Ergo, a processione a mare, or sea procession  started. It concluded with a small fire works display when the Madonna returned. The large procession on the 21st of August will conclude with a really spectacular display of fireworks. The town is all tied in  knots traffic wise and the bancarelle or stands have been set up selling all sorts of goods, mostly for children. The main streets have been illuminated with  festive lights. It is a very fun time and the continuation of a long tradition goin back to the times when feasts and fairs were the sole forms of entertainment for the masses.