La Bella Vita

The Italians have a phrase, “La Bella Vita,” which means “the beautiful life.”

On Sunday, I got to experience “la bella vita” at the 9th Street Italian Market Festival in Philadelphia. For background: 9th Street has long been host to one of the oldest open-air markets in the country and historically has been an Italian neighborhood. Recently, the area has welcomed many Mexican vendors as well. All of this makes for a great festival.

I scarfed down a slice of pizza and water while waiting for friends when I heard the familiar notes of “Gonna Fly Now” drifting through the air. I was intrigued.

A woman then came down the street, trying to get the crowd to part so a parade could pass. “We have a parade coming through here; you can watch from either side!”

Ooohh, I love a good parade!

Actually, I love any form of parade, good or bad.

I positioned myself to get the best view and waited with anticipation.

Suddenly, the Italian and American flags popped into eyesight. Yay, the parade had begun! The flags were followed by the aforementioned band, who were now playing “That’s Amore.”

Let’s say I was already in amore with this parade.

The band was followed by a priest swinging incense into the crowd and a gaggle of altar servers in full robes.

Through the incense smoke, I spied… a statue of a saint?