L'Italo-Americano

www.italoamericano.org 8 THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023 L'Italo-Americano B a t h e d i n t h e vibrant hues of rich history, cul- tural splendor, and a pulsating e c o n o m y , E m i l i a - Romagna, the heartland of Italy, often flies under the radar if compared to the pop- u l a r i t y o f o u r s o u t h e r n regions or the romantic allure of Tuscany. Yet, this beautiful, b o u n t i f u l l a n d , n e s t l e d between the River Po and the Apennine Mountains is the lifeblood of Italy's heritage: it is a symphony of epicurean delight, from the crumbly, umami-rich Parmigiano Reg- giano and the savory elegance of prosciutto, to the comfort- ing embrace of tortellini and the simple charm of piadina. Emilia-Romagna is not just a feast for the palate but also f o r a l l s e n s e s . I t i s a n enchanting dance between the refined allure of Parma a n d t h e r e s o n a t i n g n o t e s of Giuseppe Verdi's music. It echoes the vibrant energy of the Riviera Romagno- la and whispers tales of the creative genius of Federico Fellini. It resonates with the powerful voice of Luciano Pavarotti and radiates the e f f e r v e s c e n t c h a r m o f Bologna, the birthplace of universities. B u t p e r h a p s E m i l i a - R o m a g n a ' s h e a r t b e a t s stronger and louder in its fer- tile lands, the power engine of Italy's economy. Often over- shadowed by Lombardia or the industrial triangle, Emil- ia-Romagna stands as Italy's verdant orchard, a testament to lushness, freshness, and tradition. Yet, recently, this resilient r e g i o n w a s b r o u g h t t o i t s knees, with the terror of dev- astating floods sweeping away homes, dreams, and liveli- hoods. This pain, this loss, is why we are dedicating a few words to honor this region and celebrate its strength, its beauty, and its undying spirit. And as summer breathes, we all hope, new life into the l a n d , l e t u s n o t f o r g e t t o extend our support: a visit, a stay, even a meal could mean a world of difference, a step towards recovery, a beacon of hope for those affected. Emil- ia-Romagna beckons with open arms, reminding us that in unity and solidarity, we find resilience and renewal. There are so many reasons to love Emilia-Romagna. For instance, did you know it is a haven for bicycle enthusiasts, b o a s t i n g o v e r 1 2 8 5 k m of cycling paths and offer- ing endless pedaling adven- tures to those who embrace t h e f r e e d o m o f t h e t w o w h e e l s ? O n e o f i t s m o s t important cities, Ferrara, is even nicknamed "the city of bicycles," making it the ideal p i t s t o p f o r e c o - f r i e n d l y exploration. B u t h o l d o n , b e c a u s e Emilia-Romagna's love affair with cycling is certainly not i t s o n l y c l a i m t o f a m e . I f you're a food aficionado, let your taste buds wander in this culinary wonderland, recognized as Italy's (and Europe's, some say!) Food Valley and a gastronomic titan. Emilia-Romagna holds t h e E u r o p e a n r e c o r d f o r the h i g h e s t n u m b e r o f DOP and IGP products. N o t a b l e m o u t h - w a t e r i n g mentions include the illustri- ous Aceto Balsamico di Mod- e n a , P r o s c i u t t o d i P a r m a a n d , o f c o u r s e , the Piadina Romagnola. You m a y a l s o f i n d y o u r s e l f delightfully lost amidst fla- v o r s o f t h e G r a n a Padano, Pancetta Piacenti- na, and the Squacquerone di Romagna, a key ingredient, by the way, for a true piadi- na. B u t t h e r e g i o n i s a l s o steeped in history, including b e i n g t h e b i r t h p l a c e o f t h e R e p u b b l i c a C i s - padana in 1797, a pivotal step toward Italy's democrat- ic state. It's also home to the Tricolore, Italy's proud n a t i o n a l f l a g , w h i c h f i r s t appeared in Reggio Emilia, even if in a form slightly dif- ferent from the one we know today. The pride of the peo- ple of Reggio Emilia in their historic contribution is pal- pable, and their commitment to sharing it is evident in the o p e n i n g o f t h e T r i c o l o r e Museum in 2004. If your idea of fun revolves around speed and roaring e n g i n e s , t h e n E m i l i a - Romagna, often referred to as the Motor Valley, will leave you feeling like a kid in a candy store. The world- renowned automakers like D u c a t i , L a m b o r g h i n i , Maserati and Ferrari, all of which add to the charm and vigor of the region, are head- quartered here. The region's heart beats along the ancient Via Emilia, pulsing with the engine thrum from Piacenza to Rimini. T i m e t o d i v e i n t o t h e b u s t l i n g t a v e r n s o f Bologna, such as the Osteria dei Bastardini and the Cam- pana. Here, where history and conviviality blend seam- lessly, you'll see why these establishments are beloved. O n c e t h e h e a r t o f s o c i a l unrest and rebellion, osterias n o w s e r v e a s c h a r m i n g reminders of the city's rich past. Still, they have main- tained their time-honored tradition of hospitality, with a quirky dash of Bolognese humor: it is here that, accord- ing to legends, the idea of "all you can eat" was born, with t h e c o n c e p t o f " f a g i o l i a tempo," when patrons could enjoy half an hour of bean- eating for a fixed price. And if you're intrigued by a l i t t l e m y s t e r y , t h e c i t y of Modena holds an enigma that has puzzled historians for centuries. If you look at the northern side of Mode- na's Duomo, you'll find a bas- relief, chronicling the life of King Arthur, that actually predates the known records of Arthurian legends. This circular tableau mysteriously showcases key Arthurian fig- ures, including Guinevere and Arthur himself, leaving a l l w o n d e r i n g h o w t h e A r t h u r i a n m y t h r e a c h e d Modena. Our Emilia-Romagna is more than just a place. It's an experience, where every city whispers tales of yore and every road opens a new chap- ter of discovery. Whether you're a food lover, a history buff, a speed enthusiast, a cycling devotee, or an adven- turer seeking the essence of Italy, Emilia-Romagna has something to captivate your senses and spirit. It's a land that nourishes both body and soul, a land that invites you to savor every moment and cre- ate new memories. A place that deserves, today more than ever, all of our love. GIULIA FRANCESCHINI The Montone river flooding the streets of Villafranca. The floods that hit Emilia-Romagna in May have left thousands of people displaced (Photo: Vividaphoto/Dreamstime) Parma and its beautiful Duomo (Photo: Emicristea/Dreamstime) Showing love to Emilia-Romagna NEWS & FEATURES TOP STORIES PEOPLE EVENTS

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