August 16 is one of my favorite days of the year in Vasto. It’s the day of the “bell festival”, Sagra della Campanella di San Rocco.
Early in the morning, Vasto’s central square, Piazza Rossetti gets packed with stalls selling little bells. Thousands of little bells.
Piazza Rossetti this morning, packed with professionals and hobbyists selling little bells.
What’s the origin of this festival?
August 16 is actually the day of San Rocco, the protector of travelers and against contagious diseases. During the Great Plague in the 14th century, he would roam from town to town helping the sick. He would carry a bell at the end of a stick to alert townspeople about his presence. This festival was created in the 1960’s as tourism was growing in the area, appropriately on the day of the Saint protecting also travelers.
Anita & Umberto on the balcony, with the very first bell, on 16 August, 2020.
Our Little Romantic Traditions
We have a romantic little tradition on this day: Umberto buys me a bell, to mark another year we’ve been together. And a second one for Palazzo Florio, to celebrate another wonderful summer season.
I wish I had started writing the year on each bell. Now there are so many on the fireplace I cannot remember … oh well, the important thing is that they are there. And that the number is growing.
Fireworks, too!
The festivities are not limited to Piazza Rossetti. Tonight, there’s a big concert in Vasto Marina and at midnight, the Adriatic sky will be lit by fireworks.
Sending you some happy chiming bell regards,
Anita
Questions, comments? Email me at anita@palazzoflorio.com
One of the bells that Umberto has gifted me over the last ten years: “I’ll love you forever more”
Go to the Welcome Page of palazzoflorio.com