Sant’Anna Dorm Party
WRITTEN BY STEPHANIE KESSELEM, 2017 SUMMER II
On July 26th the community of Sorrento comes to celebrate the feast day of their patron saint, Saint Anne. Protector of pregnant women, Saint Anne is held to a special light along the Marina Grande. The festivities last along the coast for the span of a week.
Yesterday the Marina set up games, food, and music to commemorate; this all lead up to an extravagant firework show that was orchestrated to explode in tune with beautifully scored music. Sant’Anna Institute, who found inspiration in their namesake saint, thought it would be appropriate to throw a dorm potluck in order to take part in the events.
Nearly all of the students arrived, whether they lived in the dorms, apartments, or home stays, they flooded the kitchen with delicious food. An array of options such as pasta, bruschetta, vegetables, and fruit created an overwhelming aroma. Not to mention the biscuits, truffles, and chocolate that awaited us for dessert.
The students of Sant’Anna gathered in the kitchen prior to express their favorite things about the Institute or Sorrento. “The people!”, “the food!”, and “the school!” were all very popular answers. The comradery formed between students is nothing compared to the allegiance we share with the Institute. Looking out onto the terrace you see multiple white tables and benches lined up for lovely dining, lit by candle light, and all while overlooking the Marina Grande and her festivities. As we gorged ourselves on delicious homemade food we relished each others company as our little slice of heaven would soon be over.
Suddenly, the fireworks began. Lasting a full half hour, brilliant displays of greens, reds, whites, and shimmering yellows lit up the midnight sky. The flow of the fireworks followed symphonies of past composers. As the crescendo increased so did the explosions of light that rocketed into the sky. Students, staff, and locals watched in appreciation.
Though we may not have many more days here in Sorrento and our study time at Sant’Anna has come to an unfortunate end, we will not forget our times here.
Sorrento has extended itself to us as a second home, incomparable to any other experience in our young lives. Thank you, Sant’Anna, for welcoming us into your lifestyle and letting us embrace your warm, unique culture.
We will always hold you dear
