Happy Winter

During the summer months, Mondello beach on the outskirts of Palermo is filled with hustle and bustle. More than a thousand well-equipped wooden huts sit cramped together waiting to accommodate budding politicians, future beauty pageant contestants or tireless drink sellers. The days are filled with excessive sunbathing, poker, karaoke or a chat with the neighbours. This is where Sicilians enjoy their family holiday in the sun, far away from the dark shadow which the economic crisis has cast over the country. Even if their holidays indebted the vacationeers, nobody wants to bid the beach’s carefree mood farewell. Uncertainty lingers in the air when people say their goodbyes at the end of summer with the words "Happy Winter".