Bella garbata!

The Patron Saint festivals in the South of Italy are always very crowded.

Many people fill the streets waiting for the procession, or just for a walk under the lights. This happens also In Francavilla Fontana, Puglia, every September the 14th for the festival of Madonna della Fontana.

The ladies of the town are the real stars of the festival, strolling on the streets, shining in their dresses like Holy Maries framed by lights in procession.

Once left the everyday clothes, they are all "belle garbate", which is an untranslatable italian way to describe their elegance and moment of vanity.

It’s not hard to imagine them in their bedrooms, choosing the most beautiful and sumptuous piece from the jewellery boxes: a string of pearls with the matching earrings, a sparkly cross pendant.

They take the best dress from the wardrobe, the good one, the one they never use.

There is always a feminine and festive glint on their faces.

No one can resist to the charm of this ladies’ procession, and we all look at them amazed.

They smile satisfied, and they all seem to ask to the passers-by: how do I look?

The only possible answer is: bella garbata!