Festa di San Ciriaco

Today Melissa lent us the Smart, our mission, should we choose to accept it, was to drive to Follonica walk the beach and visit the Coop, LOL. It was a beautiful day for a walk on the beach, we practically had it to ourselves.

We walked until we found a cute little coffee shop to stop and have a coffee and a pastry and then turned around. Just before we got back to the parking lot, we spotted this sculpture. I think the white marble is pretty against the blue sky and sea.

Portale del Mistero

by Riccardo Grazzi

Now, it was time to head to the big Coop, and if customer service happened to be open on this Sunday, we might even try to finally join. As you all know, we've been shopping at the Coop since early last year -- basically locals at this point -- so it made perfect sense to become members and bask in the glory of discounted prices. 

The only problem? We never managed to sign up. We'd forget to stop at the office, or remember just in time to find it closed. The Coop in Massa had hours so contrary to our schedule. Mornings? Too early. Evenings? Too late. One time we actually made it while they were open, but couldn't join because we needed the Codice Fiscale on paper, not digital. Yes, paper. And then just like that, it was time to return to the U.S. But this time, I was on a mission. We were joining that Coop today! 

So when we rolled into Follonica and saw someone manning the customer service desk, I knew we had a chance. We had our Codici on paper, my passport, my visa--everything short of a blood sample. After a few rounds of switching computers, entering info multiple times, tricking the system into working on a Sunday, signing what felt like a mortgage, and finally paying the fee...we emerged victorious! We had our temporary paper Coop card. Ira even took a photo of it for posterity, like proud parents.

We did a bit of shopping, but mostly wandered the aisles, scouting what Follonica had that Massa didn't. When it came time to check out, I proudly whipped out our brand-new Coop card to claim our well-earned discounts.

And then...the tragedy.

Somehow between the checkout and the car, that dang card vanished. Poof. Gone. Dagnabit! Thankfully, Ira had taken a picture of it (again, proud parent instincts), so we'd be able to register it on the app. But still--ugh. I was so annoyed at myself for losing it within an hour of getting it. Ira, ever the optimist, said "Well, at least it makes a good blog post." So here we are. In a month, we can come back and pick up the real card. And maybe this time...I won't be in charge of it. LOL.

Oh before I forget, here's a photo of the Coop. It feels just like grocery stores back home. It was nice, but I really prefer our little one in Massa. It's somehow comforting not having so many choices and I like that the staff are friendly and kind. 

Back in Massa, we had to make sure to finish piano practice before the evening's festivities. Our friend Agnese said she would be performing in the Piazza Cavour tonight. She is part of the Massa Marittima band and plays a trumpet-like instrument. So of course we had to attend. We came back down the hill just in time.

The parade began in Piazza Garibaldi towards the Cathedral for the Blessing of the Crossbowmen and the Homage to San Ciriaco. This is Piazza Cavour, the building in the background of the picture above is the location of the "the Gallery" apartment of the Swiss painter who lived in the building where San Bernardino was born. The apartment that we didn't get.

Next were performances by the Flag-Wavers and the Musicians Company.

Our friend is the one with the glasses.

Finally there was the Baptism of the New Cittavecchini. This adorable little girl is the daughter of one of the twin sisters that own the Salumiere that we shop at.

Each person came up, they received their Cittavecchia scarf and then a proclamation was made. Kind of cute really. If you're interested, there are official photos on the Terziere's website. Bonus points if you can spot Ira and I in the crowd. Feast of San Ciriaco 2025.

A dopo!