All across the country, most Italians have today off. You see, today is Festa della Liberazione (Liberation Day) in Italy.
It was back on April 25, 1945 that the Resistenza Italiana (Italian Resistance Movement), with the assistance of Allied Forces, began its national uprising that quickly brought to an end dictator Benito Mussolini’s Italian Social Republic and his life (he was summarily executed three days later), and drove Nazi Germany out of the Bel Paese during World War II.
Festa della Liberazione has been celebrated every year since ’45, and commemorates those who served in the Italian Resistance.
From Como to Cefalù, marching bands, music concerts, food festivals, political rallies, and other public gatherings normally take place in small towns and major cities on Liberation Day.
Because I’m an innocent bystander — an expat with a penchant for la dolce vita — I just used today’s national holiday as an excuse to dine out.
It was a “liberating” light lunch al fresco (outside) appropriately on the patio of the Caffè Ristorante Garibaldi in Vicenza’s central square, Piazza dei Signori.
The food was tasty — a salad of mozzarela di bufala (water buffalo cheese) and tomatoes in a pesto dressing along with carpaccio d’ananas (thin pineapple slices and raspberries) — and the views through my glass of Prosecco were fantastic.
©The Palladian Traveler | ©Tom Palladio Images
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You are making my mouth water just thinking about that lovely food. Some people want to go heaven when they die, I want to go to a small Italian town square restaurant and have a lingering lunch for eternity.
Bill — Don’t kick the bucket, just pack your bags, head for Italy and make your wish come true.
Oh my god! These colors are incredible!!! I miss Italy sooooo damn much!
Stephane — You need to come over during the “dead season.” Depending on where you go, you’ll find good weather. If not, just enjoy the damn food! 🙂
Tom – great views and food. I just took a cheese making class on Sunday, would you like me to make some mozz and take pics?
Mark — If you make homemade mozzarella di bufala I want to be all over it and will make a blog post. You know the drill: all the steps involved (text) and several photos for each. Plate the final result and have a wine pairing with it. Let me know. Btw, was that of the Italian language classes you’re taking?
A delicious post!
Thanks Pat. I take no credit for its preparation, just the photography 🙂
Salivatingly good Tom. Good thing I’ve just had my breakfast. Otherwise I’ll start drooling all over the keyboard.
Dan — Thanks for viewing. Remember, you must keep your keyboard clean and wine glass filled. 🙂
Australia celebrates ANZAC day on the same day, Tom. I felt rather the opposite to you that day this year. Being in England, with no celebrations or marches, was a strange experience. I paid homage to our past and present service men and women on my own although not in such spectacular style as you guys spent the day! Love your photos.
Thanks Julie. As a Yank over here in Italy, I celebrate on July 4th (Independence Day) and November 11th (Veteran’s Day). Have a great time in jolly old London. Cheers!
Tom, please, where did you take this header pic?
Oaula — I just updated the header. The one you’re asking about is a panoramic shot of Civita di Bagnoregio near Viterbo (north of Rome) in the Lazio. Like it? If so, then you should check out my video. Here’s the link: http://thepalladiantraveler.com/good-sights/good-sights-italy-civita-di-bagnoregio/
Mmmm….looks like my kinda lunch. Can’t go wrong with un inslata caprese! Nice choice pops! And I like the carpaccio d’ananas…gives me some ideas for my next dinner party! Great pics too! Very colorful…making my mouth water!
Thanks, offspring! 🙂
You truly are living the Dolce Vita. I am green with envy.
And red like a tomato, right? 🙂
You definitely know how to celebrate, in style! Wish I’d been there….lovely photos! 🙂
You could’ve kept me company! 🙂