Italian cities revamp summer markets, launch beach ashtray programme

The Assessorate for Commerce in an Italian coastal city is moving its summer evening market from the crowded Piermanni seafront to the north aisle of Piazza XX Settembre and the entrance area of the public gardens. The re‑organisation runs from 26 June to 29 August, aims to improve pedestrian safety, free space for families and cyclists, and boost activity in the city centre. Assessor Roberto Pantella said, “Quest’anno ho voluto proporre una visione diversa per i tradizionali mercatini serali estivi”.

At the same time, the environmental group AnconAmbiente is distributing 25,000 free paper ashtrays on the beaches of Palombina, Torrette, Passetto, Mezzavalle and Portonovo, starting 26 June. The ashtrays are intended to collect cigarette butts, reducing marine litter and micro‑plastic pollution. President Antonio Gitto explained, “Con l’inizio della stagione estiva migliaia di persone frequentano ogni giorno il nostro litorale e ciascuno può contribuire a mantenerlo pulito attraverso comportamenti semplici e responsabili”.