Autumn festivals

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It is great to see festivals reappearing after the 2 years of Covid restrictions that prevented them from happening.

I particularly like the autumn festivals, chestnut, pumpkin and, a new one for me, a polenta festival.

I attended the Festa di Polenta in Gallicano on the weekend. A good crowd gathered in the town square, which was closed to traffic, to sample delicious polenta, bacala, necci, rosticiana and other delights.





There was entertainment and the fun of watching children have a great time.



One of my favourite local festivals is the chestnut festival in Cascio, which I believe is on next weekend. I have been twice and I suggest getting there early to get a park nearby. It attracts a large crowd.

No reflection at Ponte della Maddalena

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The river is as low as I have ever seen it under the Ponte della Maddalena at Borgo a Mozzano, on the way to Bagni di Lucca. I have been coming here now for almost 20 years.

This is the view I usually see.

This is what it looks like now.

From the other side.

From the top.

On a brighter note the vegetation is growing back on the site of the landslide.

We have had some rain recently but it will take a lot more to bring the river back to its usual level.

Beautiful rain

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While it might not be great for those who are here on holidays, the recent rain is very welcome after a dry, hot summer.

I like the misty morning and the sound of the rain at Ponte a Serraglio.

The rain is needed to fill dams, the springs that feed the rivers and the poor distressed plants. Let’s hope we get good rain over the next few months.

Lots to do in Bagni di Lucca

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Summer time is busy in Bagni di Lucca with lots of local events.

Morena Guarnaschelli will exhibit 15 of her art works at the casino in Ponte a Serraglio. The exhibition will begin on 5th August. Valerie Ceccarelli is organising the event.

There are lots of other things coming up. Montefegatesi has done a great job in organising events.

Crasciana has lots of events coming up.

Brandeglio is busy too.

A day for children is happening in San Cassiano.

It is great to see communities getting together to create summer fun.

A book to read

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I recently given a wonderful book to read by the author, Dawn Cumming, who lives in Granaiola. Dawn is an art historian specialising in Italian Renaissance Art. She divides her time between Bagni di Lucca and the UK. She has a passion for Tuscany, particularly its art and culture.
Her book is called In Search of Annalena. A Life of Tragedy and Triumph in Renaissance Florence, published in October 2020. It follows the life of Annalena, born in the time of the Medici. Her story is set in Florence where she marries, becomes a young widow and establishes a convent. Part of the building still exists.

I loved the book! I felt that I was with Annalena in Florence, walking the streets she walked, seeing the buildings she saw and getting a feeling of life in Renaissance Florence.

In Search of Annalena is exquisitely researched. Dawn’s love of Florence is clear. I look forward to my next trip to Florence so that I can visit Casa di Annalena and find the other places that were important in her life. She was a remarkable woman with a fascinating life.

The book is available through http://troubadour.co.uk, http://Amazon.co.uk

For further information about the author http://www.tuscanyathome.co.uk

Things to do in Bagni di Lucca

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There is a new enoteca opening in Fornoli. It is great to see new businesses opening in Bagni di Lucca.

I highly recommend the guided walks around Bagni di Lucca. You will definitely discover treasures.

The crossbow competition is fun to watch. It will begin around 9.30 I believe. it would be a good idea to put more information on the posters.