Lesina is a pretty lakeside town, best known for its pastoral appeal and the birdlife on its waterfront. Until Rachael’s brake issue interrupted our plans, we envisioned a relaxing two nights here, with Rachael taking a day ride while I poked around the waterfront.
However, the town is anything but quiet today. It’s Republic Day, the Italian national holiday that’s analogous to our Fourth of July. We enjoyed a nice afternoon stroll along the waterfront while waiting for the dinner hour, but the real story of the day was the Republic Day celebration.
In Lesina, the celebration is blended with a celebration of the town’s patron saint, San Primiano. A major procession moves through the town at sundown, beginning with the arrival of the saint by boat. Like other such Italian festivals, the procession is elaborate, with the saint carried by a team of bearers and accompanied by religious figures, a marching band, and an immense crowd.
We followed the procession partway through town, but eventually decided to retire to our room for the night. Perhaps 90 minutes later the procession passed near our room, apparently destined for the saint’s church a few miles later. Not long after, the sky lit up and we were kept awake by the sound of fireworks. Our innkeeper had warned us of this when we first arrived: Boom, Boom!
We asked our host if there was a festival today. He laughed, nooded, and said Boom, Boom!
Keith AdamsIt's kinda puny and not very manly-looking when compared to its larger brethren, isn't it? Perhaps the Lambo imprint was added by the owner as a joke? Reply to this comment 1 year ago
We were surprised by this stylishly adorned craft, and mentally paired it with the wedding party by the church we passed earlier. Nope. Remember this for later.
The view from our sidewalk table, at a small bistro named Bistro. It was the only place open we could find, other than bars. We enjoyed watching what we assumed was the evening passeggiata, but we were wrong. Remember this for later.
The Saint arrives at the shore, where an adoring crowd of thousands awaits him. He is wrestled up onto a large platform to an enthusiastic round of applause.
San Primiano, the patron saint of Lesina. In the third century he and his two brothers were sentenced by Diocletian to be eaten by wild beasts in the arena, but the beasts refused to cooperate.
The procession moves on past the array of tractors you’ll remember from earlier. Their lights shine brightly and their horns blare deafeningly as the procession passes them. A priest walks down the line, shaking incense and bestowing a blessing on each tractor.
Keith AdamsWho even knew that tractors *had* horns, anyhow? Hardly seems like they'd be necessary in a tractor's ordinary surroundings. Reply to this comment 1 year ago
It’s getting late, so we and some of the other participants take our leave while the procession weaves through town. Along the way we pass the saint’s church, presumably the final destination of the procession.
Scott AndersonTo Jen RahnYou’re right. I was sorry we left our tractor back home in storage. Another item to add to the packing list. Reply to this comment 5 years ago
