L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, JULY 27, 2023 www.italoamericano.org 16 L'Italo-Americano S tunningly located along the Ligurian c o a s t l i n e , t h e q u a i n t t o w n o f B o g l i a s c o often goes unnoticed by those who set their sights on more famous Italian destinations. However, this charming sea- side village, with its rich his- tory, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering cuisine, is well worth a visit. Located just 13 kilometers southeast of Genoa, Bogliasco is a pic- turesque town that beautiful- ly encapsulates the essence of the Ligurian region: its color- ful houses, narrow lanes, and the azure backdrop of the Ligurian Sea create a post- c a r d - p e r f e c t s e t t i n g t h a t instantly captivates the heart of every visitor. The origins of the village date back to Roman times, when it was an important maritime center in the cen- turies of the Empire. The ves- tiges of those glorious days can still be seen today: its a n c i e n t R o m a n b r i d g e , known as the Ponte Roma- no, is a testament to Boglias- co's historical significance. But the charm of this Lig- urian seaside village extends beyond its historical land- marks because the town is also a haven for art and cul- ture lovers: the Bogliasco Foundation, an American n o n - p r o f i t o r g a n i z a t i o n , offers one-month residential fellowships to individuals of all ages and nationalities who have made significant contri- b u t i o n s t o t h e a r t s a n d humanities. The fellows live and work in the Foundation's Study Center, in an environ- ment that combines natural b e a u t y w i t h a n i n t i m a t e group setting, while fostering inquiry and transformative exchange across all disci- plines. Each year, the Foun- dation awards approximately 60 fellowships in seven resi- dency periods, running from September through May, and the Study Center Gallery fea- tures rotating exhibitions of work that the Fellows devel- op while in residence. Thanks to the initiative, Bogliasco became a vibrant cultural h u b w h e r e c r e a t i v i t y a n d intellect merge in the most inspiring ways. T h e t o w n ' s n a t u r a l beauty is another of its irre- sistible attractions: the coast- l i n e o f f e r s b r e a t h t a k i n g views, and its pebbled beach- es are perfect for a relaxing day under the Italian sun. For those who prefer a more active lifestyle, the surround- ing hills provide excellent h i k i n g t r a i l s , o f f e r i n g panoramic views of the Lig- urian Sea. No visit to Bogliasco, of course, would be complete without indulging in its culi- nary delights. The town, like the rest of Liguria, is known for its delectable cui- sine: from world-renowned Genoese focaccia to delicious t r o f i e p a s t a s e r v e d w i t h pesto, local dishes are a gas- t r o n o m i c j o u r n e y t h a t reflects the region's rich culi- nary heritage. Ligurian-style rabbit, a classic stew with olives, and the Gobeletti di Rapallo, a shortcrust pastry filled with quince jam, are just some of the local special- ties food lovers should not miss. And as you would expect in Italy, food culture is deeply rooted in local tradition here. E v e r y S u m m e r , t h e t o w n organizes the S a g r a d e i Pansoti to enjoy this tradi- tional Ligurian filled pasta and conviviality. But perhaps, the most important event for the community is the celebra- t i o n o f t h e M a d o n n a d e l Carmine (16th of July), the patroness of village. For an entire week, religious and cultural events take center stage to entertain locals and tourists alike. The most curi- ous and, at the same time, meaningful of all is, probably, the "procession by sea" of the Madonna del Carmine, which is accompanied on water by local sailors. Bogliasco is also home to several traditional bakeries and gelaterias, where you can sample the famous Ligurian olive oil cake or enjoy a scoop of artisanal gelato. And let's not forget the region's excel- lent wines, such as the Ver- mentino, or the Sciacchetrà which perfectly complement local cuisine. In Bogliasco, tradition and modernity coexist harmo- niously. The town may be small but is brimming with life and character. Its rich his- tory, vibrant culture, stun- n i n g n a t u r a l b e a u t y , a n d delectable cuisine make it a destination worth exploring. So, the next time you plan a trip to Italy, consider visiting Bogliasco: in the end, it has all the charm and beauty of b e t t e r k n o w n l o c a t i o n s , minus the noise and confu- sion often associated with very touristic places. It could become your new favorite spot in Italy! L a Quintana di Ascoli Piceno i s a h i s t o r i c a l r e e n a c t m e n t event that takes place in the city of Ascoli P i c e n o , i n t h e M a r c h e region of Italy. The event is named after the Quintana, an ancient Roman eques- trian game, and its first a t t e s t a t i o n d a t e s t o 1 3 7 7 . The modern event is a joust- ing tournament held once at the beginning of July and then on the first Sunday of August each year. La Quintana is a compe- tition between the six sestie- ri (districts) of the city, each r e p r e s e n t e d b y a k n i g h t . T h e k n i g h t s , r i d i n g o n horseback, must hit a target held by a statue of a Saracen w a r r i o r w i t h a l a n c e . T h e knight who hits the target with the greatest accuracy i n t h e s h o r t e s t t i m e i s d e c l a r e d t h e w i n n e r . T h e Quintana of Ascoli Piceno is one of the most authentic and well-documented jousts i n I t a l y : i t s r u l e s a n d t h e events surrounding it are b a s e d o n h i s t o r i c a l d o c u - m e n t s d a t i n g b a c k t o t h e 15th century. But the "Quintana-expe- rience" is not limited to the j o u s t i t s e l f : t h e c i t y i s e n t h r a l l e d i n a s e r i e s o f e v e n t s t h a t l a s t a b o u t a month. The most important a r e t h e h i s t o r i c a l p r o c e s - sion, which takes place on the Saturday evening before the joust, and of course, the j o u s t i t s e l f , w h i c h t a k e s place on Sunday. The pro- cession sees the participa- tion of over 1,500 people, all dressed in period costumes, w h o p a r a d e t h r o u g h t h e streets of the city. And then, a variety of other activities, including flag-waving per- f o r m a n c e s , c r o s s b o w d e m o n s t r a t i o n s , a n d medieval dances. People can also enjoy a market where they can find local products and traditional crafts. The Quintana is a major event for Ascoli Piceno and a t t r a c t s v i s i t o r s f r o m a l l over Italy and beyond. It is a great opportunity to experi- ence the city's rich history and traditions and to enjoy t h e l o c a l c u i s i n e a n d t h e famous Ascoli olives. Ascoli Piceno itself is worth a visit, with its beautiful medieval center, more than 50 tow- ers, and impressive Roman b r i d g e . T h e c i t y i s a l s o k n o w n f o r i t s a r t , w i t h a Pinacoteca (art gallery) fea- turing works by Titian and Van Dyck, among others. A moment of the Quintana di Ascoli Piceno (Parsifal73/Dreamstime) Bogliasco, the Roman bridge (Photo: Zoom-zoom/Dreamstime) More than a joust: the Quintana di Ascoli Piceno Bogliasco: the Ligurian village that is also a hub of international culture LA VITA ITALIANA TRADITIONS HISTORY CULTURE

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