A world of lavender in Venzone

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez
  • 31 Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Purple is my favorite color, just about everything I own has some shade of purple. I don't know when the "obsession" all began but I have been in love with the shade ever since I can remember. To my surprise, I was happy to learn that the town of Venzone hosts an annual lavender festival that paints the town with the color purple.

Venzone, about an hour away, is a medieval walled city located in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. The town, which lies on a limestone bedrock, has been rebuilt since the last major earthquake in 1976. Famous for its lavender, Venzone celebrates the harvest with a festival during the month of August.

As I arrived to my destination I was welcomed by the sweet subtle smell of lavender. Purple chiffon ribbons were tied on doors and window sills all throughout the town's center. Products such as lavender liquor, soaps and perfumes were more than available by multiple vendors. Walking throughout the town, trying every possible lavender flavored treat set off my appetite for a hearty meal.

Before venturing off to find lavender gelato, my friends and I made a lunch stop for some home cooked pasta at a small restaurant.

After the meal I continued onto the festival making small conversation with the locals and photographing as much as I could. The picturesque town made it easy to capture the unique charm of the festival.

While the event offered a concert, band music and a violet bike race I decided to call it an early Sunday and make my way back home. If you are into lavender and everything purple like me, then this event is a perfect weekend trip for next year's lavender festival scheduled for the beginning of August.