This week, Italy celebrated its birthday. All one hundred and fifty years since Garibaldi united the country under a common flag and a reputation for fine food. This week I was lucky enough to be in Lucca, a walled town in Tuscany, where parades marched, people sang and men in tights threw flags into the air.
Happy Birthday Italy, I’m surprised you’re so young.
These photos form part of Photo Friday and my recent trip, Living Like a Local in Tuscany. To arrange a guided tour of Lucca, contact Antonella on info@guidelucca.it or read her blog Visit Lucca. Plenty more on Italy soon…
Hi, I'm Abi, a journalist who swapped a career as a doctor for a life on the road. 
Beautiful photo essay! Only 150 years, wow, that is young. Thanks for sharing.
I have worked in Italy since the early 90s and was surprised back then when I learned that this ancient country was technically much younger than the US.
BTW, love the picture of the couple in front of the shop.
-David
fashion and food represent best the Italian culture
Ah, if only Italy celebrated its birthday more often!