La Festa Di Santa Zita

While Pistoia was a sleepy town with one little band marching around the deserted streets, Lucca was a bee hive of activity! The streets were packed and I mean shoulder to shoulder with young and old, moms pushing strollers and little ones on bicycles. It sort of reminded me of the type of crowds I normally equate with Venice. Since it was a giorno festivo (holiday) I attribute the crowds to the Santa Zita celebration more than Liberation Day.

Lucca’s Anfiteatro was turned into a virtual wonderland of plants and flowers of all varieties as this holiday is celebrated with a giant garden show. It was really quite spectacular and made me wish that I had a garden (and a house…) here to tend to.

I’m not sure what this bush was, although it reminded me of a magnolia. I want one.

And if you’ve ever seen my tiny backyard at home you know that I am a fool for any and all types of lavender.

Of course there were various types of citrus trees already bearing fruit. I was fascinated by this one. I’m not even sure what it is. It resembles a lemon but is pear shaped.

Plump strawberries almost ready for the picking.

Every sort of herb you might wish for-including some that I wasn’t familiar with.

And last, but certainly not least, tomato plants for 40 centesimi, about 52 cents each!