L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023 www.italoamericano.org 16 L'Italo-Americano LIFE PEOPLE PLACES HERITAGE A s t h e s u n d i p s below the hori- zon, bathing the Madonie moun- tains in a soft, o r a n g e g l o w , t h e v i l l a g e of Gangi looks even more charming. The first settlement here was founded around 1200 B C b y t h e C r e t a n s a n d c a l l e d E n g y o n . A f t e r i t s destruction, a new village was built on Mount Marone: t h e R o m a n s k n e w i t a s E n g i u m , w h i c h l a t e r became Gangi. Throughout its history, Gangi showed strength and resilience while witnessing a multitude of c u l t u r a l s h i f t s , f r o m t h e arrival of the Cretans led by Minos in search of Daedalus, through the Saracen invasion in 850 AD, which saw the construction of the fortress of Contrada Regiovanni, to the Norman liberation in 1067 AD. Each culture left a mark on the village's cultural and artistic heritage, paving the way for a social and cul- tural evolution in the 16th a n d 1 7 t h c e n t u r i e s , a n d resulting in the emergence of magnificent structures that still stand today. Remarkable a r t i s t s l i k e G i u s e p p e S a l e r n o a n d G a s p a r e V a z z a n o , k n o w n b y t h e p s e u d o n y m Z o p p o d i Gangi created many a mas- terpiece here, which we can s t i l l a d m i r e i n t h e m a n y churches in the village. Upon entering Gangi, you are immediately enveloped by an aura of antiquity and charm. The village seems to rise straight from the stone, casting a stunning silhouette a g a i n s t t h e b a c k d r o p o f the Madonie mountains. T h e m e d i e v a l b o r o u g h b o a s t s b e a u t i f u l g o l d e n façades, iron-wrought bal- c o n i e s , a n d f l o r a l a d o r n - m e n t s . I t s a t m o s p h e r i c streets lead you past palaces a n d c h u r c h e s , f i l l e d w i t h artistic treasures. Arguably, the beating heart of the vil- lage is Corso Umberto I, where architectural marvels line the street, among them, y o u ' l l f i n d t h e stunning Palazzo Mocciaro, and 18th-century Palazzo B o n g i o r n o , a b e a u t i f u l example of the elegance of M a d o n i e a r c h i t e c t u r e . Gangi's noble history is also reflected in the Ventimiglia c a s t l e , a 1 4 t h - c e n t u r y fortress whose square shape and two remaining towers stand tall over the village. The castle is located in Piaz- za del Popolo, where we also f i n d t h e C h i e s a M a t r i c e , which welcomes visitors with Giuseppe Salerno's magnifi- cent painting the Universal Judgment. Churches play an impor- tant role in Gangi and we should certainly mention t h e C h u r c h o f S a n P a o l o , which boasts a simple stone façade, and the Church of Abbadia, with its grandiose portal and two bell tower w i n d o w s . T h e s e a r e j u s t some of the 18 churches scat- tered throughout the bor- ough, each an artistic trea- sure in its own right. T h e r u g g e d b e a u t y o f Gangi extends beyond its ancient stone walls into the i d y l l i c l a n d s c a p e s o f t h e M a d o n i e N a t u r a l Park. This vibrant ecosys- tem invites exploration with i t s l u s h v e g e t a t i o n a n d diverse wildlife, making it a h a v e n f o r n a t u r e l o v e r s . Here, trekking and horse rid- ing trails wind through dense woods and fragrant mead- ows, under the watchful gaze of majestic Mount Etna in the distance. T h e g a s t r o n o m y o f Gangi is a true embodiment of Sicilian traditions, featur- i n g a b l e n d o f d e l i g h t f u l savory and sweet treats. Our c u l i n a r y j o u r n e y b e g i n s with pasta ccu maccu, which i s a t r a d i t i o n a l d i s h o f ditaloni pasta served with a purée of fresh fava beans. The menu then takes a meaty turn with castrato al forno con patate, a succulent dish of young lamb's meat cooked in the oven and flavored with red wine, rosemary, and a selection of spices. An alter- native Lent dish is fried cod served with a side of wild fennel. D e s s e r t s i n G a n g i a l s o hold true to tradition. During Christmas, one can enjoy la cucchia, a shortcrust pastry filled with almonds, raisins, and dried figs. In summer and fall, the spotlight falls on r i c h m a s t a c u t t è , c o o k i e s made from flour, sugar, and prickly pear juice. If you are after a local product to bring home, look no further than Gangi's caciocavallo cheese, a sheep's milk cheese that can be either fresh or slightly a g e d a n d e n r i c h e d w i t h grains of pepper. E very year on the 2nd of June, a w a v e o f g r e e n , w h i t e , a n d r e d s w e e p s a c r o s s Italy as the country bursts into vibrant celebrations for the Festa della Repubbli- ca, or Republic Day. This national holiday commemo- rates one of the most signifi- cant moments in Italy's his- tory, marking the day in 1946 when Italians voted to end the monarchy and establish a republic. T h e o r i g i n o f t h e F e s t a della Repubblica is rooted in the aftermath of World War II. Italy was emerging from a period of monarchy and Fas- c i s t d i c t a t o r s h i p , a n d t h e nation stood at a crossroads: in a historic referendum held on June 2nd, 1946, a majority of Italians voted for a republic, forever changing the trajectory of the nation. The monarchy was abolished, and a new chapter in Italian history began. Festivities are marked by a g r a n d m i l i t a r y p a r a d e i n Rome, presided over by the President of the Republic, a n d w a t c h e d b y m i l l i o n s nationwide on TV. The Ital- i a n A i r F o r c e ' s a e r o b a t i c team, the Frecce Tricolori, traditionally put on a spectac- ular display, painting the sky with trails of green, white, and red. The day is not just about grand parades and military might, though: across the country, towns and cities host concerts, public gatherings, and local events. Italian flags flutter from balconies, and families gather to enjoy com- munal meals, often featuring regional delicacies. Schools and public offices are closed, and Italians embrace the day to rejoice in their shared her- i t a g e a n d r e f l e c t o n t h e importance of their democra- tic freedom. Of course, the Festa della Repubblica extends beyond mere celebration, it serves as a reminder of Italy's journey from a time of dictatorship and war to a time of democra- cy and freedom. But it is also considered the day when the summer starts, albeit a tad in advance: days are already b r i g h t a n d w a r m i n e a r l y June, and carry within the promise of the good season about to begin, so don't be s u r p r i s e d i f p e o p l e o f t e n choose the 2nd of June to take an early day trip to the beach and first dip in the sea of the year! The Festa della Repubblica celebrates the birth of the Italian Republic, after the end of World War Two (Photo: Juan Moyano/Dreamstime) The medieval heart of Gangi (Photo: Emily Wilson/Dreamstime) Festa della Repubblica: celebrat- ing Italian unity and freedom The medieval charm of Gangi

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