Assisi During Canonization Time

Following Easter Week and Easter Monday, a holiday in Italy, one might have anticipated the crowds visiting Assisi would diminish. Instead, over the next several days a new flood of visitors appeared from all over the world. It soon became apparent what was happening: tens of thousands of faithful, arriving in Italy for the following Sunday's canonization ceremony for two popes, were traveling in tour groups that also would bring them to Assisi. So, approaching the Basilica di San Francesco:

A notice of the news.

Waiting in line to enter the Basilica.

And waiting.

Scouts hamming it up by the Piazza del Comune.

A group passing through the streets.

Another group, by the Basilica di Santa Chiara.

The Basilica di San Francesco during an early, quieter moment.

Sunday, canonization day, was fairly peaceful here. However today (Monday), the post-canonization groups began to arrive. Leaving the market after buying a loaf of bread this morning, I found myself walking along in the middle of a lively group from China, whose leader was carrying a large Chinese flag! Such is life in Assisi.
Ciao.