Quindi Uscimmo a Riveder le Stelle

More Dante inspiration in Siena: The words that hang above Piazza Tolomei are those taken from the end of Inferno: 'and thence we issued forth to see once more the stars...' a saying used here to express the end of great tribulation- let's hope this optimism is justified. The Mayor Luigi De Mossi, accompanied by Cardinal Lojudice and other Siena grandees  switched on the Christmas lights in time to celebrate  the Feast of the Immaculata Concezione which took place yesterday. It is a public holiday here, and  Siena's streets were invaded by happy Christmas shoppers. 

Other celebrations of the Immaculata took the shape of  concerts- the opera loving Senese have been singing away throughout this period of tribulation, and last night the amateur operatic society showed their mettle at the Dante Alighieri Language School, which is also used for diverse other activities. Here we have a young Leporello who gave a credible rendition of  'Notte e giorno faticar.'

And below the rest of the Operatic  society. They are a very democratic lot, and they give equal importance to those who cannot sing as to those that can. The lady in the centre in black was allowed to start the concert with 'E Strano! E Strano!' from La Traviata. This can  safely be described as a mistake. She would have made a good understudy for Florence Foster Jenkins. But it did improve, and the Lady in Red did a very good, smouldering rendition of  La Habanera, whilst slinking around the audience, straightening ties and ruffling hair most seductively- as a final flourish she sat down on the lap of an unsuspecting chap who looked absolutely terrified and unfortunately did not live up to expectations- he was of course supposed to do something exciting such as kissing her... oh well. It was all huge fun! 

And in the local caff' where we have our morning break at the language course, they have displayed all the Christmas goodies for sale- they make their own Ricciarelli and Panforte, those delicious Senese sweets. 

As far as Italian Christmas food is concerned I am not quite sure I understand it- they seem to eat only  fish on Christmas Eve...Hmm. I have guests of course and will have to get my head around this Presto!