An Italian seaside resort is preparing for a rush of tourists at Pentecost. This year, Lignano is expecting a particularly large number of party-goers from Austria.
Lignano Sabbiadoro – Blue water and a seemingly endless sandy beach – a small holiday resort on the upper Adriatic Sea is actually very popular with families. At Pentecost, however, party guests take the helm in Lignano Sabbiadoro (Italy). For four days, the tranquil coastal town is in a state of emergency – including alcohol excesses and brawls. Not the only place in Italy that is struggling with mass tourism. Other cities in Italy have even already set up red zones to protect their cities from the onslaught of holidaymakers.
In Italy, a seaside resort is already preparing for party tourists on the Pentecost weekend. (Symbolic image) © Lukas Seufert/Imago
Seaside resort on the Adriatic Sea fears party excesses of holidaymakers at Pentecost: Lignano tightens rules
This year, the seaside resort is arming itself with new measures against the party-loving masses of tourists. Around 90,000 party guests are expected over the long Whitsun weekend, weather permitting. Significantly more than last year. In order to prevent foam parties, wells in the center of Lignano Sabbiadoro were drained at that time. Security forces patrolled the beach.
This year, the seaside resort on the Adriatic Sea wants to tighten security measures. During the upcoming Party Pentecost Marathon, free access to the beach is to be restricted. Overnight stays on the beach at night are to be banned altogether. The Prefect of Udine, Massimo Marchesiello, in the meeting in preparation for the Pentecost weekend, called for a concrete ordinance from the municipal administration to combat alcohol abuse.
Tourist rush at Pentecost: Italian seaside resort uses police for "deterrence purposes"
What is certain is that the working hours of the local police will be extended on the four days, according to a press release on the website of the Ministry of the Interior. Increased presence of law enforcement is to be supported by an increased security service on site. In general, the stronger presence in the city is also indispensable for "deterrent purposes," reports the Italian news portal udinetoday.it. Marchesiello, therefore, stressed that "everyone's commitment will be maximum so that the disrespectful behavior of a few does not damage the image of the city".
Pentecost in Italy: seaside resort has already issued reprimands for party excesses
Police, the mayor, officials from the port authority, fire brigade and also from tourism were present at the meeting. It remains to be seen what the regulations will look like in concrete terms. Anyone who behaved completely wrong in Lignano Sabbiadoro last year was threatened with a reprimand, which resulted in a ban on entry for two years. The sale of watermelons on the beach had also been banned. Teenagers had consumed watermelons on the beach, listened to loud music and drank alcohol, and then polluted the center.
Going on holiday over the Whitsun weekend is very popular and for many holidaymakers the choice falls on Italy – a hotel therefore even charges a shocking 23,000 euros for the Whitsun weekend. (ml)
