LIVORNO. Ready Set Go. The icebox on the shoulder, the ball that returns to make the gabion nets resound and the first siuski of the season. What in the rest of Italy was a banal working Wednesday, in Livorno, on the day of celebration of Santa Giulia, patron saint of the city, was the start of the new seaside season.
A ritual that is part of the city’s history on a par with the 5&5 and the cacciucco. Because May 22nd in Livorno means sea. The weather was half an accomplice. Overcast skies in the morning with a little wind, then at lunchtime the sun started to peep out and remained high in the sky throughout the afternoon. And the influx has increased. Cleaning of the cabins and queues for season tickets, first tans and challenges in the gabion. The great heat isn’t here yet, the summer season has just begun.
Pancaldi
Tirreno had already kicked off on May 18th, while for Onde del Tirreno (formerly Pejani) they will have to wait until tomorrow. At the Pancadi gabion placed at the photo finish after the damage caused by the winter storms and immediately large turnout. This is the photograph of the first day a stone’s throw from the Terrazza Mascagni.
«People wanted to come to the sea – begins the owner Giorgio Bonaventura -. Many people came to sunbathe, the work we did was appreciated and the kids have already played in the gabion. The wind dropped and it was really good. A positive first day I must say. The pool? It will open on June 1st. Then we hope for a good season, after a difficult winter.”
River
Long queues on the steps for those who want to sign up for the season ticket booked in recent weeks and many people already eager to take a dip at Bagni Fiume. «Having many young kids, they took advantage of the school holiday to get a season ticket – he comments Armando Neri -. It’s a classic image of our beginning. The arrival of good weather in the late morning helped. We saw a lot of people at lunch and the restaurant was up and running immediately. Most people dedicate themselves to arranging the cabin on the first day, but there are also those who immediately take a bath. With our natural pools, this moderate south-westerly wind becomes irrelevant. Gabionate? Already leave.”
Neptune
Over 100 people waiting for a subscription. The desire for the sea at Nettuno is expressed by these numbers. The turnout was high already yesterday. «The bathroom has been full of people since the first day – the management says -. Many came with iceboxes for lunch and the restaurant worked great. Then for the rest everything was normal: gabion, diving and sunbathing. The waiting list? We managed to satisfy some after some cancellations, but satisfying everyone will be impossible.”
Lido
A gift for its season ticket holders and the usual ritual operations for the first day at Bagni Lido, an establishment that is also a major player in spring. «Like last year, in each cabin we left a little welcome gift provided by Acqua di Bolgheri – he explains Riccardo Ganni –. In the morning we had to tie up sunbeds and deckchairs due to the wind, while in the afternoon it was much better and there was a great turnout. The restaurant is off to a great start and we have already received great reviews. The pool? From June 8th.”
Rome
Departure at full capacity also for Bagni Roma, immediately operational with all its services. «It was a classic first day of the season. Many people came to set up the cabin and take their summer equipment to the beach, a notable turnout. The children had fun in the gabions, many people also showed up for lunch and the bravest ones have already had their first swim.”
