We started with Pasquetta - Easter Monday - on April 21st, followed by the celebrations for Italy's liberation from the fascist regime on April 25th and finished in style on May 1st. International Workers' Day. I would say that we Italians have had enough 'scampagnate' (outdoor parties) for the rest of the year. But did we really? These special outdoor mega-picnics for national holidays are as traditional as Christmas and Easter festivities and just as eagerly awaited. Sadly, the next one is a long way away. We will have to wait for the 15th of August for another excuse to invade the countryside and seaside in mass. The ritual of 'la scampagnata' is not a simple affair of taking a nice food basket and a lovely blanket to enjoy a meal on the grass. Oh no! It requires days of planning to answer the following questions: Where do we go? What do we cook (obviously a full menu) and who is preparing what? What will the kids eat?...and nonno and nonna? What about tables, chairs, cutleries, drinks? Who is in charge of entertainment? Will it be soccer, volleyball or karaoke? So if you are wondering what all those loud people were up to at the beach or in the countryside, set up as if they were going to camp there for at least the next couple of months, you know you hit Italians on a 'scampagnata'! A "not so simple" way to enjoy each other company all'aria aperta (en-plain-air). There were some great questions in our community this week: “What is the best time to visit Italy?” “Can you suggest Umbrian wines available in the US?” Join and share with others!