LETTER: Stroll with neighbors in ‘Passeggiata Waterbury’
July 26, 2025 | By Ingrid JonasTo the Community:
This is an invitation to all to join in Passeggiata Waterbury – a stroll with neighbors in our sweet, walkable downtown.
People stroll Stowe Street in summertime in this file photo by Gordon Miller
Come with friends, family, neighbors, or solo to create Waterbury’s very own passeggiata – a relaxed, social evening stroll through the heart of our downtown. Starting Wednesday, Aug. 6, consider taking a stroll every Wednesday evening, anytime between 5-ish and 8-ish while the weather is warm.
What’s a passeggiata (it’s pronounced “pass-eh-JAH-ta”)?
It’s an Italian tradition – a leisurely walk through the town center, just for the joy of being out, connecting with others, and soaking in the evening. No destination, no agenda, no pressure.
Along the way, people tend to do any of the following:
chat with neighbors
walk a few loops through town
browse store windows or stop into a local shop that has extended hours for passeggiata
have an aperitivo or caffè
enjoy a gelato
take a seat on a bench and people-watch
simply enjoy the company of their community
The idea is inspired by towns across Italy (and more recently in Burlington). I got the idea from a dear friend, Lisa DeNatale, the president of the board of the Vermont Italian Cultural Association, who spends a lot of time in Italy and started a passeggiata in Burlington this spring, mainly through word of mouth and Front Porch Forum.
Little by little, it has gained momentum and participation. I strolled with a friend one evening there, and it was great. I saw people I hadn’t seen in years, stopped and chatted with an Italian person, drank a glass of wine at a new place, and broke in a new pair of shoes. I loved the simplicity and friendliness of it. (Read more about Burlington’s version here, including the downtown businesses open and offering specials during passeggiata.)
Because of how warm and welcoming the heart of Waterbury is, and because the concept is sweet and uncomplicated, I wanted to see if there might be interest here.
I ran the idea by Katya d’Angelo at Bridgeside Books, who leads a local Italian-speaking group. She shared it with the group, and Filomena Siner, a member, agreed to help with planning and spreading the word. I ran it by local friends, a few businesses, the VICA Board of Directors, and Revitalizing Waterbury, and received positive reactions and encouragement.
October 2020: A couple strolls across Main Street in Waterbury during the COVID-19 pandemic and Main Street road construction. File photo by Gordon Miller
I was also inspired by last Sunday’s garden tour, where many took part despite pouring rain. We all need to get out more – I know I do – and look each other in the eye and realize that we have a lot in common and feel each other’s presence and support.
It feels healthy to spend time among community members and to be outdoors in the nice weather. This is a sweet and simple concept, and I’d love to see the passeggiata grow to become one of Waterbury’s lighthearted weekly traditions. In some parts of Italy, they do this every day! We’ll see what happens, but I hope people will come out and stroll together.
Let’s start on Wednesday, Aug. 6, and Wednesdays after that into the fall. We’ll even be working on bringing in some music to stroll by. Some passeggiata pointers: (Courtesy of the Vermont Italian Cultural Association):
There’s no start or end point.
There’s no official start or end time – just come out between 5–8 p.m.
There’s no destination.
It’s not an event.
In Italy, people often walk up and down the street multiple times.
Stroll as much or as little as you’d like.
Bring your friends, your family – or just yourself.
Support local shops or enjoy an aperitivo.
Enjoy being part of a shared weekly ritual. In parts of Italy, it’s every evening!
Let’s make Wednesday evenings in Waterbury something sweet and special.
See you on the stroll!
Ingrid Jonas
Waterbury
Ingrid Jonas recently joined the board of directors of the Vermont Italian Cultural Association.