Carneval Fornoli 2020

The fun for the student participants, their teachers and parents began around 2.00pm on Sunday across the Ponte Catene.

 

Everyone gathered in the square with great excitement. The theme of this year’s carneval was the Olympics. It was interesting to see the different interpretations.

 

Soon the officicials opened proceedings.

And the band began to play.

The procession made its way across the bridge.

It worked its way down the main street.

They gathered in the piazza waiting for the performances to begin.

 

The infants’ school from Fornoli presented their show, the race between the hares and the tortoises.

The next group performed.

It was the infants’ school from San Cassiano.

The students from Borgo a Mozzano came next. We wondered what the blue fabric was for. We soon found out it was the stream for the canoe team.

Then came the swimmers.

…and the equestrian team.

 

 

 

The fencing team fought with flowers…an excellent idea.

 

 

The cycle team really enjoyed themselves.

Corsagna school followed with an Ancient Greek view of the Olympics.

 

The Fornoli entry was colourful.

 

The last group sang for us.

The judges retired to consider their choices for the prizes. They soon returned and the first announcement was for the third place which went to Fornoli school.

In second place was Corsagna.

The winners were the students from Borgo a Mozzano. 

Top marks to everyone for the wonderful event. Students, teachers, parent and friends clearly spent many hours to present such a delightful spectacle and it was great fun for participants and spectators.

Thank you Marco Nicoli and the team for organising the event again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carneval Fornoli

Don’t forget the Carneval in Fornoli this weekend. It begins at 2.00pm on Sunday.

Have you been to Zato?

Zato is a tiny collection of houses above Lucchio. A Google search reveals that it is 698 metres above sea level, there are 21 buildings and that 9 people live there.

We followed the sign from the turnoff for Lucchio.

A narrow, winding road took us to the entrance to the town. The road narrowed further so we parked just outside and walked in.

A short walk along the one street in Zato revealed the few remaining houses and a church.

 

 

Some lovely old doorways remain.

I could see a few other houses hidden among trees a little further on.

…and some steps to somewhere.

 

 

 

 

 

A well kept garden shows there is life in Zato.

I think I have now been to every village and hamlet in Bagni di Lucca.

 

 

 

First snow

Just before I left Bagni di Lucca for Australia in November the first snow of the season fell on the mountains around us.

The autumn weather makes for some beautiful views while driving around the area.

When I return next month I hope to see much more snow.

Montefegatesi in autumn

The views of Montefegatesi are gorgeous in any season. Before I left Bagni di Lucca in November autumn colour was beginning to appear.

When I return early in the new year winter will be in full swing, bringing its own beauty.

Babbo Natale

Babbo Natale will be making appearances in Bagni di Lucca soon.

Fornoli

 

Villa Web will be Babbo Natale central on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th December.

Not to be missed is the Babbo Natale run.

 

This is the course of the run.

….and a party at Bar Italia.

Fun for everyone!

 

 

 

 

 

Trees in autumn

The beautiful tiglio trees form a tunnel to drive through as you enter Fornoli and Bagni di Lucca. Before I left for Australia the last of the leaves were falling from the trees.

When I return early next year they will have taken on their stark winter appearance…also beautiful.

Presepe Vivente postponed

Because of the forecast for rain on Sunday 1st December the Presepe Vivente in Pieve di Monte di Villa is postponed until Sunday 8th December. Let’s hope the weather improves.

Events coming up

There is a lot happening in Bagni di Lucca over the next few weeks.

One not to be missed is the Presepe Vivente, Living Nativity.

 

 

Presepe in Montefegatesi.

At the Teatro Accademico for the next couple of months.

I wish I was in Bagni di Lucca to take part in these excellent events.

 

 

 

 

 

Rural Bagni di Lucca

I love to see traditions continue in Bagni di Lucca. It is great to see a shepherd bringing the goats down from their grazing. It was excellent to see a young shepherd. I hope this means the old ways will go on.

A little further along the road from Monti di Villa I spotted some healthy looking cattle grazing.

 

You never know what you will see as you drive between the villages.