More Venice, less tourists...

 While perusing some of the finer fashion in a particularly busy quarter of the Floating City, a procession of some 50 persons, wavin' flags and a-carryin' signs, distracted us from the haute couture.
Literature printed in Italian and English, obtained from the gentleman on the right, identified them as the commitee "FOR INDEPENDENCE" and declared April 24th "INDEPENDENCE DAY FOR VENETIA."
     Their map showed the proposed state's borders. "Venetia" would encompass the northeastern corner of Italy and wrap around the Adriatic sea, taking a nice chunk of the Istrian peninsula of Croatia as well as the only sliver of coast belonging to Slovenia. They expressed solidarity with other nations seeking independence such as Scotland and Catalonia and cited successful seceding nations such as Slovenia and Ireland.
     Rather jovial police officers followed the calm demonstrators, laughing and joking with one another. I wondered if any of them wished they were marching.
     We saw the beautiful Venentian flag hanging out of many windows that day. However, when I googled the committee, I didn't find any information on the movement. They did admit that this was the first time they had succeeded in securing their "most important goal: to organize a rally for independence in Venice, our capital city."
     Part of me wonders if this is a real movement or a pageant produced to amuse the masses. In any case, I doubt we'll be seeing Venetian secession any time soon.