If a friend called and said “Hey I’ve an idea, let’s go see some marching bands. It’ll be fun!”, I’d probably think of something “more important” to do.
But having heard that on 27 – 30 May in Giulianova there’s a Marching Band Festival I’m very tempted to go.
Why this monumental turn around?
Well there are a few reasons:
- I’ve never been to a marching band festival
- I think I’m going to be in Abruzzo in May/June
- There’ll be bands from all over the world
- I’ve never been to Giulianova
- I like trying new things
- These photos by Andea Panichi make me want to go
- As do these
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not 100% convinced I’m going to love it.
But there’s a whole lot of energy associated with a large group of musicians performing together while marching or moving in time to music. Add to that the enthusiasm of the majorettes dancing and twirling their batons and this could be a great day out.
I think my reluctance is based on standing in the rain watching marching bands go down O’Connell Street, Dublin during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. I’m not talking about the more recent rejuvenated St. Patrick’s Day Festival, which is fantastic. No, I’m taking about cold, wet, windy days when we were lucky to see a marching band walk!
But I think this festival could finally cure me of my marching band phobia. For a start it’ll be in Giulianova in May, right by the Adriatic basking in sunshine. Looking at the photos and clips on the website Festival Internazionale di Bande Musicali XI Edizione Giulianova, it looks as though these bands don’t just march, they rock!
OK, decision made, if I’m in Abruzzo between 27 and 30 May I’m going to the festival.
This YouTube clip from 2009 gives a feel for the event:
If any of you have ever been to this festival, or to Giulianova I’d love to get your comments.
Maybe I’ll see you there.
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Thanks for your posts on Abruzzo. I live here now (in Roseto degli Abruzzi) and find it difficult to procure information about local happenings outside of our city since I have not quite mastered Italian yet. In fact, I was shocked when I read your blog because I feel like I am the only English-speaker within a 100 miles at times – which has its advantages and disadvantages.
I started blogging about life here, because as you mention on your site, this is a little-known treasure of Italy and there is so much to share about it (and about my personal adjustments to such a big move).
Thanks!
Noelle
Hi Noelle and welcome to Abruzzo.
I hope you have a wonderful stay in Roseto degli Abruzzi and you get a chance to explore this fantastic region.
I appreciate you may not have mastered the language yet but some information I have in this post Town Festivals, Special Events (Sagra e Eventi) and Città Sant’Angelo might help you.
In the post I mention the website Eventi e Sagre which you can subscribe to by region using RSS. Yes the information is in Italian, but it often has links to official sites that give big clues about the events.
Also take a look at the blogs in my blogroll. There are some great writers tackling may aspects of Abruzzo and Italy out there.
Ciao for now!