New Years Eve in Siracusa
We had seen the temporary stage which had been erected in the Piazza del Duomo in the heart of Ortigyia, the old town of Siracusa, and we had imagined there was going to be a free concert by some local bands. Instead at about 11.30pm there were local celebrities doing a non stop chat show with, what looked like, links to local TV and radio. The hotel on the Piazza had been doing a tremendous trade in drinks ( at extortionate prices) and the milling crowd were all good humoured with many families present and the occasional dog as well. Every now and then fireworks were let off but this was closely monitored by the Polizei who were also evident in their uniforms.At midnight there was a spectacular display of fireworks high in the night sky. Many bottles of fizzy wine were opened and shared around. Some people were dancing to the music and there was generally a lovely atmosphere. A...
