Food, fireworks, fairy-tale views, and friendly competition what more can you ask for in a festival?
Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure
The flames felt dangerously close as I leaned out of my hotel window.
Since the early 1950s, the second Sunday of every May has been all about fish.
Credit:Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure
I had swiftly fallen into a routine in the seaside haven perched in the aptly named Paradise Gulf.
Early evenings were for embracing the art of theaperitivo, and I was more than happy to oblige.
By the time the festival kicked off, I had already dabbled in the culinary side of Camogli.
Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure
I tucked intotrofie al pesto, a Ligurian specialty, and had myself a meditative moment.
While I had sampled this local dish many times during my stay, this was hands-down the best.
I was biding my time until the procession, something Id only seen on television.
Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure
I made my way up to the church for a front-row seat overlooking the piazza.
All of this, leading up to Sunday Funday, Italia style.
No tickets were needed, but a six-euro donation was encouraged, with all the proceeds going to charity.
Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure
I didnt blame them; it smelled delicious.
The line moved quickly and I took my bounty to the beach, along with everyone else.
Theacciughe(anchovies) were whole, and Ill admit I wasnt sure how to eat them.
Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure
Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure
Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure
