Mother Nature, you had one job!
This ‘Spring’, thus far, has been … somewhat … problematic, I’m afraid. As in: Where the Hell is it?
Unlike previous ones, this year’s been topsy-turvy weather-wise.
I write this because it’s 06:44, and only 9 degrees, with a high (low) of 19 predicted from 11am. At least it’ll be sunny all day. That, and the humidity’s dropping at last: Although it’s 75 percent right now, it drops to less than 50 percent during the day. So that’s something!
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| At least there's the wild flowers! |
For instance, the swifts, those speedy and most acrobatic of birds, have arrived back from their over-wintering in sub-Saharan Africa, to their Modican birthplaces to breed and nest. They f’sure must be a bit shocked at how the weather’s turning out: Temperatures up; then down; and way more rain than usual.
Weird!
By the way, while I do love to see ‘em return, I don’t love the fact they poo on our terrace!
Then we had almond trees blossoming way back in the first week of February which, I foolishly thought, meant Spring would be arriving early this year. How wrong was I then?
Have to say though, the wild flowers don’t seem to give a toss, as they’re in full and glorious bloom right now. Which makes any walk and/or drive a real pleasure.
The long-range weather forecast talks of more rain, with warmer weather only arriving in mid-May.
Sigh!
Uplifting Experiences
As inevitably as those wild flowers appearing in Spring, ‘stagione delle processioni’ (‘procession season’) is upon us once again.
As in: Religious processions. I’ve said it before, it’s worth restating here that this is f’sure a thing here in this most Catholic corner of Italy. Of course, such festivals aren’t just celebrated in Sicily, but throughout the country. It’s just that on the island they have actual meaning for a sizable portion of the population.
On the understanding that they’re also a great drawcard for tourists: Both domestic and foreign.
As we witnessed for the two, arguably most famous, ones that kicked off this month.
It’s a very joyful occasion, and the mood is both light and festive.
Next up, it’s “La Festa di San Giorgio”, which happens on the Sunday following the 23rd of April, St. George’s Day. As San Giorgio is Modica’s patron saint, as you can imagine, this is an important one! The saint’s equestrian simulacrum, complete with dragon, is carried all about the old city: From valley bottom to the very highest point, taking eight hours plus!
While we love both festivals, it’s San Giorgio’s that makes the greatest impression.
An absolute joy!
Integration
Talking of ‘procession season’, I have a pet peeve here!
As an immigrant (I don’t like using the term ‘expat’), I’m both happy and thankful we’ve found our ‘4everhome’ here in Modica.
With this in mind, we’ve actively sought every opportunity to integrate ourselves into our now-community. Our Modican community that is. I mean: Why bother even being here otherwise?
We’ve sought to make local friends and acquaintances; and cultivated useful links into both the regional bureaucracy and business community. For a start, that’s the way things work around here. Because it’s f’sure who you know, rather than what, and I for one don’t mind that, especially as if’n you’re ‘in with the locals’, it makes things so very much easier.
I mentioned processions?
If you’ve chosen to live here, at least try to make an effort to attend them! But … you’re not religious?
If you think that’s a good enough reason to simply not bother, then you’re missing the entire point of being here, I’m afraid. These are occasions that bring locals together in celebration of their community: Demonstrating pride in themselves; their history; and their place in the world.
Remember that although a higher percentage of Sicilians regularly attend church than elsewhere in Italy, that percentage is still way less than half. Which means the majority of those attending these processions aren’t amongst that core faithful.
In short: Get off your arse, out of your comfort zone, and integrate!
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