January in Panzano
Twinkling lights are still strung above the wall across my street that overlooks the valley below. They hang motionless, undisturbed. There is none of the constant rush of trucks and cars that in other seasons would have them swinging. I duck under festive garlands to enter the few places that are open. Nativity scenes have yet to be packed away by store owners though the Epiphany is days past. The fountain statue in the piazza spouts water beneath the illusion of a tree of white lights. In the upper piazza, just before the medieval archway, the branches of a twenty foot tree happily groan under too many balls and baubles.
Decorations above a shop on my street
Are the Panzanese just reluctant to end the festive season? Last night in Greve the barristas demonstarted no such reluctance. Decorations were collected and piling up on a nearby table while I enjoyed aperetivo.
Whatever the reason for the prolonged Christmas vibe here, I am grateful. When I left in November, decorating had just barely begun in Greve and not at all in Panzano. I feel like I received one last, belated Christmas gift to see this little village all decked out.
Under the Christmas lights, the sun sets….. a breathtaking January scene
A “Christmas tree” in Piazza Buccarelli….the center of Panzano