GVS, Befana, L'edicola and bad weather

Well what a strange run up to Christmas it has been in Barga this year. The recent very damp weather has disrupted most, if not all of the usual annual events in the city leaving the place with a somewhat desolate feel as the odd group of people wander through the streets huddled under their umbrellas looking for something, anything to catch their attention.

Rain, Rain, rain. Hopefully the Christmas spirit will pick up today otherwise we are all in for a miserable time. On Saturday the rain closed down the annual motorbike and vespa torchlight procession through the streets – they will attempt to run it again next Saturday. The Presepe Vivente, which draws in thousands of visitors to join in the procession was another causality due to the damp conditions – that will not be seen again until next year.

The highlight of this weekends cultural activities was therefore the show on Saturday evening at the Teatro deo Differenti organised by the GVS. An interesting mix of Christmas traditions with La Befana rubbing shoulders with Father Christmas, childrens choirs and the musicians from L'edicola and their womens choir.