Cowboys at the Sagra di Bisi

Many Italian villages or towns host annual sagras or festivals or fairs. While they vary greatly, there is generally a theme (often food), carnival-type rides for children, food around the theme, and music adn dancing for adults. I grew up going to "The Fair" sponsored by a local civic group in my small Southern community, and have also visited many similar festivals with food names like Andouille, Jambalaya, and Catfish in South Louisiana. The Sagra is the Italian version of these festivals.

So, last night (and I deeply regret that I did not have my camera) we went to the famous Pea Festival. (I ate the peas, and, I must admit, kinda liked it.) Maddy enjoyed the rides and we all enjoyed the good food. And then, we moved to the dance floor / music area. ... .

Oh my. . . we were suddenly transported back to the South. (Though, I admit, it's not quite like this where I grew up.) Italians, men and women -- young and old, dressed in country western attire, slowly, but surely, arrived at the music area. I mean. . . cowboy boots, Wrangler jeans, cowboy hats, and big belt buckles -- roughly 50 to 60 of them by the time we departed. The music for the evening was a Country DJ; so funny. . .(or not so funny) he proudly displayed flags familiar to us: the Stars and Stripes, the flag of Texas, and a Confederate Flag -- as he DJ'd the evening. A few ladies started the dancing. . . and then, as though a secret sign went out, about 50 of them filled the dance floor and the evening kicked off. How fun! They were so serious. This was not the line dance that we all know from wedding receptions. This was far more advanced than that. There were many variations -- it seemed like a different one for each song. I remember seeing something similar on the Country Music Television channel about 10 to 15 years ago. Then there was two-stepping. All in costume -- clearly the costume was required to be considered an accomplished participant. Dang -- I wish I had had my camera.


And so. . . .we spent an hour or so last night watching this amazing show under the stars, next to the soccer field, in our new hometown of Lumignano -- strangely feeling like we belonged.