Omaggio alla Donna

Posted on March 7, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

The exhibition celebrating women has opened at the Casino at Bagni di Lucca. The opening ceremony was very well attended.

There were too many people there last night to allow me to get reasonable photos, so I went back this afternoon. The theme for artists was The Dreams of Women…interpreted in many ways.

A highlight was Maureen Halson’s white horse. The animal is huge and very impressive.

In another room was the photography area.

As well as current photos there is a lovely collection of photos put together by residents. It is fun to see scenes from times gone by.

The exhibition continues until Sunday.

A celebration of women

Posted on February 19, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

It is almost time for the festival to celebrate women at the casino in Ponte a Serraglio.

In a week of events there will be something for everyone…see you there.

Carnevale Fornoli

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

Don’t miss Carnevale in Fornoli on 14th February.

Bagni di Lucca in 2015

Posted on December 27, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

It has been an eventful year in Bagni di Lucca. It is interesting to look back.

Click the highlighted words to see the original post.

There was a tornado early in the year which caused lots of damage. Our lovely park in La Villa was devastated, with wonderful old trees wrecked by the wind.

Many houses suffered with damaged roofs and other property damage. I hope we don’t see a weather event like that again.

Late winter is the time to plant pansies on the bridge at Ponte a Serraglio.

You can see some green appearing around Lucchio in early spring.

Gorgeous yellow forsythia appears to brighten up the cool days.

Then wisteria shows its lovely lilac face.

The beautiful house where the Barrett Brownings stayed in La Villa was lovingly restored.

Circolo dei Forestieri reopened and began serving delicious food…lucky us.

Soon on it was time to replace the pansies with geraniums. This year I had help in the form of Paul and Sheila.

In May there was much excitement, and some new roads, when the Giro d’Italia came through Bagni di Lucca.

Not long after the magnificent Mille Miglia graced our streets.

May was also the perfect time for a lunch at Rifugio Fiori in Pieve di Monte di Villa, followed by a walk down to Ponte a Serraglio along the forest walk.

…and a stroll through Monti di Villa.

There was an art gallery showing.

…and a religious procession.

The annual crossbow competition took place in June.

Followed by Art in the Park at Villa Fiori.

A a swim in the cool waters of the Lima River is the thing to do on a hot summer day.

For those wanting a bit of adventure the exciting Canyon Park opened.

Ponte a Serraglio looks pretty in the summer sun.

Trattoria Borghesi reopened its doors to the delight of the locals and visitors alike.

Giuliana opened her new shop in Fornoli.

Pinocchio visited La Villa with some fun for children.

I discovered the monument to the soldiers shot by Nazis in WWII in the cemetery at Ponte a Serraglio.

Autumn began to appear with mists swirling through the mountains.

Paul Davies shared his beautiful photos of San Cassiano in autumn with us.

…and 3 local photographers, including David Bonaventuri shared the Presepe Vivente in Monti di Villa.

The year has flown by…there is always something wonderful to see and do in Bagni di Lucca. I look forward to much more in 2016.

Don’t miss this

Posted on December 11, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

On Sunday there will be a great market in Fornoli, at Piazza Aldi Moro, starting at 11.00am.

Don’t miss it!

Presepe Vivente

Posted on December 9, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

The Presepe Vivente, or Living Nativity was held this year in Monti di Villa. The whole village is involved and the residents all take their parts. Everyone dresses up and takes on a role from times past.

3 local photographers were on hand to record the wonderful event…a working peace of art and heritage.

David Bonaventuri is from Montefegstesi. Here are his terrific photos. I particularly love his portraits of the fabulous faces.

Paul Anthony Davies lives in San Cassiano and is clearly passionate about his subject.

Valerio Ceccarelli captured the spirit and the culmination of the event, complete with donkey, 3 wise men, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.

Thank you to all 3 photographers for allowing us to share the event.

For more photos of the Presepe Vivente see Bagni di Lucca and Beyond.

Coming events

Posted on November 24, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

There are a few excellent events coming up in and around Bagni di Lucca.

I hope they will all be well attended.

Chestnut festival at Ponte a Serraglio

Posted on October 11, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

Don’t forget the annual Chestnut Festival to be held in the Villa Fiori park on 18th October…let’s hope it is a fine sunny day and lots of people come.