Avventura Felice 2012: Labour rally on the Plaza

Today a large labor march and rally took place in Rome. Thousands of people, from all over Italy, marched from Piazza della Republica, about 3 km, to Piazza San Giovanni, the square just outside our apartment. They were protesting the proposed austerity measures of the Italian government. It took well over an hour for all the marchers to enter the square. There were speaker's presentations (which of course we could not understand) and music.

Starting last night the area was prepped for today. Street parking was not allowed, a parking lot near the rally site was cleared of vehicles, those having been left by owners, were towed away; any thing that could be used as a weapon was removed from the street, even the 3 cu meter garbage containers; and restaurants moved their tables, chairs, etc. indoors. Barricades were installed and over the morning the traffic was diverted away from the site. At least 32 bus routes were interrupted in the area.

We went out onto the square to get a feel for what was happening. Everything was very peaceful, with the Italian fiery passion showing up in the speaker's speeches. I wish we could have understood what they were saying. I think because these measures are only proposed at this time, there was not so much anger expressed, but more concern and wanting to demonstrate to the government the strength of this concern.

After watching many of the marches enjoying their packed lunches with wine or beer, we decided it was time to go to lunch. We chose a restaurant around the block, that I had read was good. It was quiet when we entered, only one other table occupied, but soon filled with several of the rally marchers. Then, it became a very lively and boisterous place, only quieting somewhat when the food appeared.

By 2:30, the speeches were over, the crowd dispersed and the square and roads gradually returned to their normal usage. Here are some pics of today's activities.