Today it rained in Bagni di Lucca, which was disappointing for the Pinocchio festival. Despite the rain Pinocchio arrived on time in his red car.

A band followed.

School children and their families and entertainers came next.

The damp group arrived at the piazza in front of Circolo Forestieri.

The new mayor opened the festivities.

The children looked wonderful and each had a part to play.

I’m not sure who the bearded one was.

I think this is Geppetto at work on his wooden boy.

There was a band…

and dancing.

There were lots of stalls and things to see and do, but the weather kept people away while I was there. I hope the clouds cleared later.

This is a great event. Congratulations to everyone involved in putting it together again this year.

PS. The weather did improve later and Valerio Ceccarelli took these great photos. (See more on his Facebook page)