Processions, Heritage and the Rest

We had something of a religious experience in Genoa. We had been walking the warren of caruggi and creuze (alleyways and cobbled paths) that make up the old town, when we came across a piazza with barricades circling the front of a cathedral. Sitting on the steps were assembled a gathering of nuns and other people evidently preparing for something. Guarding the barricades were men in Robin Hood hats.

We decided to see what was going on and found a table at a cafe and ordered drinks. Shortly afterwards Mass started, the nuns sung and our beers and chips arrived. After a few hymns along came children in white gowns, women in pink dresses, police in funny uniforms, nuns in all colours, white, brown, black, blue, grey and various combinations and other assorted priests, monks and friars. Before long the barricaded area was filled and then people carrying banners and led a procession of an object that looked like a treasure chest which was carried up the cathedral steps and surrounded by priests in purple.

The celebration of Mass continued: now presided over by a priest in yellow robes, incense pervaded the piazza and we drank our beer. It was a surreal experience. After the celebrations were over Joy button holed a friar and found out that it was the feast of the body and blood of Christ and on this feast day a procession between basilicas is held in Genoa. The priest in gold was the Cardinal. We didn’t find out what was in the treasure chest.

As well as religious ceremonies we also explored the streets that make up the UN World Heritage Area of Genoa, Christopher Columbus’s house, the port area and visited Europe’s largest aquarium.

Yesterday (Monday) we travelled to Nice, stopping at Monte Carlo for lunch. We had a rest day today and will be here until Saturday. So far we haven’t seen any biscuits covered in sugar but we are on the lookout.