L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024 www.italoamericano.org 12 L'Italo-Americano F or racing enthusi- a s t s , j u s t m e n - t i o n i n g t h e Autodromo di P e r g u s a i s enough to stir excitement. This racetrack, active from 1 9 6 2 t o 2 0 0 3 , h o s t e d t h e Grand Prix of the Mediter- ranean, filling the surround- ing mountains with the deaf- e n i n g r o a r o f r a c e c a r engines. The track, which encircles its namesake lake, saw thrilling competitions where drivers aimed for the top podium spot and the cov- eted trophy, captivating their teammates, rivals, and espe- cially the passionate specta- tors. From 1962 to 1965, For- mula 1 cars competed in the Grand Prix, though these races were not part of the world championship. From then until 1984, Formula 2 cars took center stage, com- peting in races that counted towards the European cham- p i o n s h i p . F r o m 1 9 8 5 t o 1998, Formula 3000 cars thrilled audiences with their performances. The last edi- tion of the Grand Prix of the Mediterranean took place in 1999, featuring the Sport Racing World Cup, a race for sports cars. The planned 41st e d i t i o n f o r t h e E u r o p e a n F o r m u l a 3 0 0 0 c h a m p i - onship, scheduled by the FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile), was not held. P e r g u s a i s a d i s t r i c t o f Enna, the provincial capital, located 10 kilometers away from it. Known as Castrogio- v a n n i u n t i l i t s n a m e w a s changed in 1927, Enna is the highest provincial capital in Italy. It's often called "the lookout of Sicily" because, from its historic upper part (the lower residential area is m o r e m o d e r n ) , o n e c a n enjoy a breathtaking 360- degree view of the island, spanning several kilometers. The Romans called it Urbs Inexpugnabilis (the impreg- nable city) due to its strategic position atop a mountain over 900 meters high. Today, Enna is also known as the "navel of Sicily" because it lies at the geographic center of the island. Human pres- ence in the area dates back to prehistoric times, and over the centuries, it has been o c c u p i e d b y t h e S i c u l i , Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Nor- m a n s , S w a b i a n s , a n d Spaniards, all of whom left their mark on the island. Enna is also known for its castle, the Temple of Ceres, and its cathedral. It boasts the Kore University, which attracts many young people a n d e n h a n c e s t h e a r e a ' s appeal. The city's attractions are not limited to its histori- cal monuments or the Tower of Frederick II, where the Stupor Mundi used to spend his summers. Enna also fea- tures the cathedral, a fine example of medieval archi- tecture; extraordinary Holy W e e k c e l e b r a t i o n s ; t h e Castello di Lombardia; and streets with stairs, bridges, and terraces offering breath- t a k i n g v i e w s , f r o m t h e Madonie mountain range to Mount Etna. Just a few kilo- meters away, if you are so inclined, you can visit Piaz- za Armerina, and marvel at the Roman mosaics of the V i l l a R o m a n a d e l Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Additionally, t h e R o c c a d i C e r e r e , a place of great spirituality since the 14th century, still features a sacrificial altar. Despite being a provincial capital, Enna does not have a large population. However, w i t h t h e c o l l a b o r a t i o n o f Kore University, efforts a r e b e i n g m a d e t o r e t a i n young people who have often left in search of better job opportunities and living con- ditions. From its position as I t a l y ' s h i g h e s t p r o v i n c i a l capital, Enna overlooks the Dittaino valley. The city's centrality is highlighted by the obelisk at the Montesal- v o C h u r c h , k n o w n a s t h e Umbilicus Siciliae, the navel of Sicily. Another unique fea- ture of Enna is that it is one of the 30 largest municipali- ties in Italy. Following the metaphori- cal scent of fuel that fills the air during racing events, we find ourselves at Lake Per- gusa, associated with the m y t h o f P r o s e r p i n e (known as Persephone or Kore to the Greeks), which explains the origin of the seasons. For those who are u n f a m i l i a r w i t h i t , o r n o longer remember it, this is a story that fascinated genera- t i o n s o f r e a d e r s a n d h a s made Lake Pergusa famous s i n c e a n c i e n t t i m e s . T h e local administration now i n t e n d s t o r e v i t a l i z e t h i s area, which has always been a magnet for tourists pas- sionate about myths, nature, and sports. The myth I am talking about is, of course, that of Proserpine's abduc- tion, so famous that the city has invested in the creation of the eponymous museum to celebrate it. This initiative aims to enhance the natural reserve and the lake, also named Pergusa, which has unfortunately experienced a period of neglect. The muse- um and the revitalization efforts seek to restore the a r e a ' s s t a t u s a s a m a j o r a t t r a c t i o n f o r b o t h m y t h e n t h u s i a s t s a n d n a t u r e lovers. Proserpine, daughter of Ceres, the goddess of the harvest, was abducted by Pluto, the god of the under- world. Growing weary of his l o n e l y e x i s t e n c e i n t h e depths of the earth, Pluto emerged to the surface and, near the lake, spotted the beautiful maiden. Despite her resistance and the deter- m i n e d d e f e n s e b y h e r f r i e n d s — p a r t i c u l a r l y o n e named Cyane, who tried to s t o p t h e h o r s e s p u l l i n g Pluto's chariot—Pluto suc- ceeded in taking Proserpina. For her interference, Cyane w a s t r a n s f o r m e d i n t o a spring that still feeds the papyrus plants and supplies water to Syracuse. Ceres, desperate to find h e r d a u g h t e r , s e a r c h e d e v e r y w h e r e . W h e n s h e couldn't find Proserpine, she pleaded with Jupiter, the king of the gods. However, Jupiter was reluctant to go against his brother Pluto. In r e s p o n s e , C e r e s c a u s e d a prolonged and devastating drought, leading to a famine t h a t b r o u g h t d e a t h t o humans and animals alike. Finally, Jupiter sent Mer- cury, the messenger of the g o d s , t o o r d e r P l u t o t o release Proserpine. Before complying, Pluto made Pros- e r p i n e e a t p o m e g r a n a t e s e e d s , b i n d i n g h e r t o t h e underworld forever. Thanks to Jupiter's intervention, it was agreed that Proserpine w o u l d s p e n d s i x m o n t h s with Pluto—fall and winter— a n d s i x m o n t h s w i t h h e r mother—spring and sum- mer. Thus, the myth of Pros- e r p i n a n d C e r e s ' w r a t h explains the changing of the seasons. TERESA DI FRESCO LIFE PEOPLE PLACES HERITAGE From myth to history: the captivating legends of Enna A narrow street in Enna city center (Photo: Dudlajzov/Dreamstime) and, bottom left, a boy during the traditional Holy Week rituals in the city (Photo: Bruno D Andrea/Dreamstime)

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