We can always tell when we are reaching the end of summer here in Longoio. First, there’s an Italian phrase that says the weather changes after ferragosto (August 15th) and, again, it’s proved right since there has already been a sprinkling of rain and today is somewhat overcast. The forecast is for something more torrential to happen to us this coming week-end. Let’s hope it’s not another of those ‘water bombs’ which increasingly characterise the weather here and, indeed, are becoming more common even in the United Kingdom.
The second warning that our summer is entering its final phase is the ‘Del Ciocco’ car rally which was held last Saturday. Competitors come from all over Europe and there are several British drivers. We walked to the turn-off for our village of Longoio to see and hear the souped-up cars screech and rumble round the sharp bend near the bus stop on their very twisty way to Montefegatesi.
I am reminded that my younger brother, before his untimely death seven years ago, was an appassionato of rallies and served as navigator in them. Indeed, his funeral hearse was none other than an E-type Jag!
The third warning is Bagni di Lucca’s traditional Fiera di San Bartolomeo which makes me think of that play by Ben Jonson. London’s Bartholomew’s Fair, dated back to the 12th century and was held for the last time in 1855. Bagni’s fair which turns the town centre into a pedestrianised area is also locally known as the ‘Fiera dei cocomeri’ (water melon fair) because of the many water melon stalls (not so many this year, however). It is an occasion for the inhabitants from the surrounding villages to meet up, catch up on the latest gossip and maybe conclude a few deals. Today, the Fiera preserves its social focus and is a pleasant way to meet friends one may not have seen for some time. This year, of course, such social interaction has become ever more poignant because of the pandemic which really hit people here very hard with the strictest rules for social distancing and face mask wearing while the UK was still taking the thing in a somewhat laid back way. The inhabitants have truly suffered serious social deprivation here!
So another summer is flashing past us at an even faster rate than all the previous ones we have enjoyed in this idyllic valley. Such is the transience of life…
