by Guisela Chiarella
Nothing says spring in Friuli Venezia Giulia like the first brave dip into the Adriatic. This weekend, May 10–11, we wandered down to Barcola beach in Trieste, where locals emerged from winter’s grip with towels in hand and sun on their faces. Despite the crisp breeze and cool waters, a surprising number of swimmers took the plunge, laughing and shivering as they marked the season’s change. For Triestini, this annual ritual is more than just a swim—it’s a celebration of resilience, community, and the long-awaited return of sunny days by the sea.
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