The Everyday Question: Why did you move to Italy? Asked over and over again to us, mainly by the those younger than us and still in their working years. It’s a good question, and we always preface our reply with the fact that we are both retired. Italian youth look to the United States as the end of the rainbow; filled with opportunities, good paying jobs and whatever their dreams are made of.  I get it and I certainly can’t judge or fault them. John and I are just in a place in our lives where we see a different picture…

Our list is long on the reasons why we are here and the enjoyment of life and family pretty much tops the list. Italy’s calendar is full of national, religious and cultural holidays and festivals. Also individual towns have their own personal Saint’s Day.  So, you can be sure to find some place here in Italy celebrating something and in a big way. This would include music, food (of course), some type of procession, loads of people having lots of fun, maybe a blessing of animals, possibly a livestock and farm display, etc. We love it!

Such is May 1st, Italy’s Labor Day. Most businesses are closed (except some restaurants and bars), folks go to the beach, a town festival or a food fest in any of the surrounding cities, villages and towns. We chose the town of Nocciano about an hour SW of us. Translated for Wiki – Its land is particularly suitable for the cultivation of olive groves, vineyards and wheat, hence the presence of presses, wineries and mills. And they have their own castle. Actually, the primary reason we ended up at Nocciano was an invitation from my canine group, Sea Rescue Dogs, to meet with other members and give attendees the opportunity to meet the rescue dogs. It turned into a more encompassing experience for both John and I.

Apart from all the merchant booths throughout the town, we were led to a farm on the edge of town with a wonderful grassy field among olive trees. Here were the livestock and farm exhibitions along with equine and canine events. Ponies being expertly handled in a class by very young girls, dogs flying through an agility course, a farrier shoeing lovely equines, flaxen maned pair of horses to a cart, and then there where the oxen… big and wow!..

So as Romeo, along with the other dogs from our group, greeted folks, we had the chance to survey all the events ongoing in the field. The field ebbed and flowed with families on the day’s outing, children exploring, meeting our dogs, getting pony and cart rides and just enjoying the day. One particular display was the immense oxen pulling an intricately painted cart proceeded by a very accomplished accordion player. They processioned out of the field into the town to return later.

Prior to lunch, there was a blessing of the animals. Other events would continue through the afternoon into the evening, not only here in the field but throughout the town.

The day for us, as it continued to about 8 pm that evening, was lunch at picnic tables near a food stand serving not only arrosticini, panini porchetta, but also hot dogs and hamburgers. The area was filled with happy people eating amazing street food, topped off with beer, raw fava beans and music. Good friends and dogs wrapped up a wonderful day for us.

And always, big thanks to my husband, John Dodge, for the great photography.

Until next time, ciao for now…