Weekly evening Passeggiata strolls return to Waterbury
May 26, 2026 | By Lisa Scagliotti
Bridgeside Books welcomes passeggiata strollers last summer with the message 'Welcome, friends!' in Italian. Photo by Gordon Miller
Organizers who hatched a plan late last summer for a weekly Wednesday evening custom in Waterbury are hoping to build momentum this summer for the community-building strolls with an Italian name.
The “passeggiata,” as it’s known in Italy and elsewhere, is simply the habit of taking a leisurely evening stroll. Pronounced “pah-say-JAH-tah,” the idea is for anyone and everyone to take a walk through downtown, starting this Wednesday, May 27, and continuing through the summertime.
“There's no set route and no required start time – just come out, walk at your own pace, and enjoy the evening,” explains Ingrid Jonas, who posed the idea last summer with some success.
The practice is modeled after a centuries-old tradition familiar across Italy, Spain and much of Latin America, where people enjoy an unhurried evening walk taken not for exercise or errands, but simply for the pleasure of being out, being seen, and being part of a community. No agenda. No destination. Just neighbors enjoying their town together, Jonas said.
“Last year showed us that people were drawn to this kind of simple, shared experience. There's something charming about walking the same streets at around the same time each week. You recognize faces. You stop and chat. The town feels more like home,” she said.
Buttons for passeggiata strollers have the colored stripes of the Italian flag. Courtesy photo
Strolling with style
Now, for its second season, the effort is taking on a bit more organization to help participants get in the groove and connect with each other. A kickoff will be held in Jack’s Alley on Stowe Street (beside Stowe Street Emporium) this Wednesday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. There will be special Passeggiata buttons for strollers to wear as a signal to others. “Look for the buttons, and for the smiles that come with them,” Jonas suggests.
The economic and community development organization Revitalizing Waterbury (now transitioning to its new name, Discover Waterbury) is helping out with the Passeggiata effort and has added information to its website.
Local businesses are invited to join the spirit of the evening. Shops, restaurants and studios that welcome Passeggiata participants will display a specially designed placard in their windows or doorways. Participating establishments may choose to stay open a little later on Wednesday evenings, offer a small treat or seasonal beverage, or simply put out a friendly welcome.
Some examples are already listed on the website, including: Wednesday night bluegrass music at Prohibition Pig, drink specials at Stone’s Throw Pizza, and a discount on purchases at Stowe Street Emporium. The Waterbury Public Library invites strollers to visit their garden and staffer Judi Byron may join in to play her harp. TURNmusic’s has its monthly Jazz Jam at The Phoenix on the third Wednesday each month, and MakerSphere will have craft projects to share in Jack’s Alley.
Ingrid Jonas, Billy Vigdor and Filomena Siner stroll along Stowe Street during passeggiata in August 2025. Photo by Gordon Miller
Musicians wanted
More music would be a nice addition to the stroll. Passeggiata Waterbury invites musicians who play acoustic guitar, fiddle, jazz, classical, folk, or anything mellow and inviting to Jack's Alley or anywhere around town where the setting feels right, such as a café doorway, a side street, or a park bench. There are no stages or sound systems or fuss, Jonas said. Note that it would be appropriate to contact property or business owners in advance to get permission before setting up at a particular establishment. Interested musicians can contact Jonas for assistance with coordinating a spot.
If you go
Passeggiata Waterbury will take place weekly on Wednesdays, 5:30–8:30 p.m., beginning May 27. The stroll is open-ended with no set route. Jack’s Alley will be a gathering spot where buttons will be available. Look for Passeggiata signs at local businesses. Passeggiata is free and for all ages.
Questions, suggestions? Contact Ingrid Jonas at ijvt@protonmail.com.