L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023 www.italoamericano.org 16 L'Italo-Americano C a m o g l i , i n t h e Italian region of L i g u r i a , i s a q u a i n t v i l l a g e l o c a t e d n o t f a r from Genoa. Its history is tied to activities like fishing and sailing which, for centuries, represented its main source of income. Known for its marina and colorful homes facing the sea, Camogli has an interesting history and some curiosities to share and learn about. The e a r l i e s t a t t e s t a t i o n s o f i t s existence date back to the 1 0 t h c e n t u r y , w h e n i t w a s already known as a tuna and shrimp fishing hub; in later times, Camogli became one of the Republic of Genoa's most important ports, thanks to its strategic position along the L i g u r i a n c o a s t a n d t h e renowned skills of its sailors. D u r i n g t h e S e c o n d W o r l d War, Camogli was bombed and suffered severe damages, which his people soon fixed after the end of the conflict. Today, the town is a popular tourist destination for its sea, i t s a r c h i t e c t u r e a n d , o f course, its delicious cuisine. I n d e e d , t o u r i s m i s C a m o g l i ' s m a i n s o u r c e o f income and attracts thou- sands and thousands of visi- tors every year. Among its main attractions, besides of course its stunning sea, we have the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, the Torre d i P u n t a C h i a p p a , a n d the Castello della Drago- nara, all of which are located either in or near the village's historical center. We should also mention the beautiful B e n e d i c t i n e m o n a s t e r y at San Fruttuoso, which is not far: built in the 10th cen- tury, it can be reached, just like the secluded beach in front of it, via sea or through a pedestrian trekking path. If you spend some days here, you'll have the oppor- t u n i t y t o e n j o y s o m e o f Camogli's best-known deli- cacies, which are a typical example of Ligurian cuisine. E v e r y t h i n g i s m a d e w i t h fresh, local ingredients and includes classics like focac- c i a a n d p e s t o , a s w e l l a s marinated anchovies, bac- calà fritters, and capponada, a fish soup. Camogli is also known for its many fairs and t r a d i t i o n a l f e a s t s : o n t h e first of August, the town cel- ebrates the Madonna della S t e l l a , p r o t e c t o r o f a l l sailors, with the tradition of t h e S t e l l a M a r i s , w h i c h involves sea processions, fireworks, and rowing com- petitions. If you love fish, then you should head over on the second Saturday of M a y w h e n , e v e r y y e a r , the Sagra del Pesce takes p l a c e . F o r t h e o c c a s i o n , Camogli's port is filled with s t a l l s a n d s t r e e t v e n d o r s selling delicious, fish-based dishes and wine. A s i t s h i s t o r y a t t e s t s , Camogli is primarily and in its heart, a fishermen's vil- lage: it isn't surprising, so, to learn about its long-estab- lished boat-building tradi- tion, which continues still today. It is also home to an important marine museum, the Museo Marinaro Gio- vanni Cicala, where a vast collection of sailing tools, s h i p m o d e l s , a n d f i s h i n g implements are exhibited. Every year in September, Camogli hosts the Raduno dei Gozzi, an event dedicat- ed to the gozzo, a traditional sailboat typical of the Liguri- a n c o a s t . D u r i n g t h e feast, gozzi are decorated with flowers and colorful flags and then paraded along the port. We should also mention that Camogli has a cinematic claim to fame, as it was the s e t o f M a s s i m o T r o i s i ' s famous last movie Il Posti- no. A great part of the movie was shot on location in the v i l l a g e a n d i t s surroundings. Last but not least, a note a b o u t a n i c o n o f I t a l i a n h i g h w a y t r a v e l i n g , t h e Camogli sandwich, a slice of focaccia Genovese filled w i t h h a m a n d E m m e n t a l cheese, rigorously sold - at l a s t w i t h t h a t n a m e - i n Autogrill, Italy's own high- way restaurants: apparently, the sandwich got its name because it was first made in Camogli. Well, I don't know if that's true or not but one thing is certain: recent polls show that the Camogli is the most sold sandwich in the country, which definitely shows how something sim- p l e a n d t a s t y i s a l w a y s a winner. Next time you visit, take a few days to visit Liguria and make sure to add Camogli to your itinerary! S a n r e m o i n Fiore takes place every year and it is o n e o f t h e m o s t beloved traditions in town, second perhaps only to Sanremo's famous Festival della Canzone Italiana. San- remo is perhaps the most popular of all towns along the L i g u r i a n R i v i e r a d e i Fiori, which borders its most f a m o u s F r e n c h c o u s i n , the Côte d'Azur. The feast has ancient ori- gins, probably dating back to the Middle Ages when Sanre- mo used to celebrate the feast o f t h e M a d o n n a d e l l a Costa by offering flowers and plants to the Virgin. In time, the habit extended to other moments of the year, includ- ing the beginning of Spring, which is when Sanremo in Fiore takes place today. Its first edition took place in 1904, when Count Alfre- do di Villamarina decided to organize a flower fair in town. During the years, the event developed and grew to b e c o m e o n e o f t h e m o s t renowned appointments for locals and visitors alike. Villa- marina came out with the idea of organizing a parade with carts and coaches decorated with flowers, that he bap- t i z e d F e s t a d e l l a D e a Flora. In the 1930s, allegori- cal floats covered with flower art made their first appear- ance, and with them, the so- c a l l e d b a t t a g l i a d e i f i o r i , w h e n p e o p l e i n t h e streets and those on the floats would "fight" by throwing flowers at each other. While today this no longer happens at Sanremo in Fiore, you can still find it in nearby Ven- timiglia. The float parade took even- tually the name of Il Corso Fiorito, and used to take place on the last weekend of Janu- a r y . T h e n , i n 2 0 1 1 , i t w a s m o v e d t o t h e w e e k o f Carnevale. However, the float parade has been cancelled for four years in a row, and the "new" Sanremo in Fiore has been taking place closer to the beginning of Spring. For a whole weekend San- remo, which is known for the b e a u t y o f i t s f l o w e r s a l l around Italy, becomes the capital of flower art, with parades and flower decoration competitions, with streets and homes lusciously enriched by colorful, delicate creations. The event lasts a whole week- end, which is usually filled w i t h d o z e n s o f m u s i c a n d dance shows, parades, art exhibitions and, of course, p l e n t y o f f l o w e r - c e n t e r e d extravaganzas. One of the most curious characteristics of Sanremo in Fiore is that it has a different theme every year, around which all flower cre- ations must be developed. This year, for instance, orga- n i z e r s c h o s e I t a l o Calvino and its stories, to honor the 100th birthday of the famous Italian novelist. Sanremo in Fiore 2023 is tak- ing place on the 25th and 26th o f M a r c h , t h e w e e k e n d between the Classicissima, the Milano-Sanremo cycling race (18th of March), and Easter Sunday (9th of April). The Sanremo promenade with a statue dedicated to Spring (Photo: Marco Saracco/Dreamstime) The colors of Camogli (Photo: Lorpic99/Dreamstime) Tradition of the Month: Sanremo in Fiore Italian Village of the month: Camogli ALL AROUND ITALY TRAVEL TIPS DESTINATIONS ACTIVITIES

• Cover