16 Comments
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Janey Thompson's avatar

Fab bonfire paintings...the first reminded me of 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire' 😍

Marcello Iori's avatar

Living near the sea in the south of England, these traditions feel less like history and more like something that never fully left. The tar barrels rolling down the streets of Penzance at midsummer are not so far from the bonfires on the hills of my own Italian childhood. The fire is always the same fire.

Liz Gwedhan's avatar

Indeed it is. What a lovely thought.

Jeffrey Streeter's avatar

Fabulous, and I loved the artwork.

Liz Gwedhan's avatar

Thank you Jeffrey - and for the re-stack.

<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

All so lovely--and the sardines and fennel salad, too. Love the simply recipe.

Ruth Mckew's avatar

I didn’t know the origin of the name Penzance and like holy island or Ynys cybi in Anglesey it feels like the edge of the world! Thank you

Deborah Vass's avatar

I love midsummer and would love to see such a parade - that figure is a marvel! I do wish that such celebrations existed in Norfolk. Thank you for such a lovely read to begin my day.

Michael Preedy's avatar

Interesting and informative, Liz - thank you.

I love sardines, so I’m excited to try the recipe you kindly shared.

Hope you and yours have a lovely midsummer today.

Susan Hoyle's avatar

Magic. I do miss Pz.

Lucy Hearne Keane's avatar

Love this article Liz. Penzance puts on a show, doesn't it? In this farmhouse we are planning to go westward on 21st June to see the longest day of the year in West Kerry. On Valentia Island. Next stop America 😃

Liz Gwedhan's avatar

That sounds wonderful. Special occasions demand special places.

Lucy Hearne Keane's avatar

We usually head out the road to Ballybunion beach on the 21st. This year we are going further now the silage is cut and things have eased on the farm. Hopefully we will have good weather on Valentia and a clear view of the famous Skellig Islands.

John Nielson's avatar

I have abundant fennel in the garden and a couple tins of sardines in the pantry, so guess what I’m having for dinner tomorrow?

AOL Online +'s avatar

I loved this Liz, specially the sardines. And, of course, bonfires = bone fires why did I never think of that!