I guess I’m getting old because I’m not in tune with much of the modern culture. For example, I can’t understand why tattoos are so popular and widespread among the younger generation. Also, I had no idea how popular Cosplay was until a few years ago.
If you’re a neophyte at this, as I was, Cosplay is dressing up (and assuming) a character from a work of fiction (e.g. from a comic book, TV show or movie, or a video game). Often the costume is not an expensive one bought from a store, but one created by the individual. As with many things cartoon-related, the trend seems to have started in Japan about 4 decades ago. It has especially grown in popularity in the past decade.
When we wandered the streets of Verona on a weekend day a few years back, we came across a number of Cosplayers, some in a park, some in Piazza Bra′, some rambling the streets as we were. All seemed to be enjoying themselves and it obviously was an activity that garnered the friendship of like-minded people.
The final images are of a “parade” of the Cosplayers — not formal or organized in any meaningful way.
(the kids were very excited by the passing parade)
All-in-all, it seemed like harmless fun.
