The second half of July is rich in events in Passignano sul Trasimeno.

First the "Palio dell Barche", the traditional boat race on Lake Trasimeno. It is celebrated with lots of food music and historical races for a whole week. Then at the end of July the "Festa dei Barbari" in our village Castel Rigone, a wild spectacle that leads back to the time of the Goths. And the "Trasimeno Blues Festival" with great concerts every night in Passignano and in other villages around the lake.

How do we actually celebrate Christmas here in Umbria? Of course, with plenty of good food: traditionally with Cappelletti in brodo (meat filled pasta in hat form in a strong broth), roast lamb, Sformato di gobbo (casserole of winter carding) and for dessert Torrone, Panettone, Pandoro, mandarins and dried figs. We are lucky as we may take part in the traditional family lunch with our cook and friend Ornella. So we get tocelebrate their joyous festival at a long long table. - But in addition to good food, what else is special here in Umbria? Wolfgang has written a short story about it. You will also find a video of the living nativity scene at Passignano sul Trasimeno ...