L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024 www.italoamericano.org 16 L'Italo-Americano A ltomonte is a small village in Calabria, south- ern Italy, known for its medieval charm, historical significance, and cultural wealth. Located in the province of Cosenza, it is around 38 miles northwest of the city. While somewhat off the beaten path, it is a destination w o r t h d i s c o v e r i n g f o r i t s blend of history, art, and tra- ditions, as well as its deep connection to Calabrian cul- ture. The village's history dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was called Bra- hall; it later became Bragalla and, finally, Altomonte in the 14th century, during the reign o f Q u e e n G i o v a n n a o f Naples. Indeed, Queen Gio- vanna is credited with pro- moting Altomonte as a center of aristocratic and religious i n f l u e n c e , a l o n g w i t h t h e H o u s e o f S a n g i n e t o , a noble family that ruled the area during this period, which was instrumental in shaping the village's architectural l a n d s c a p e . U n d e r t h e i r p a t r o n a g e , m a n y o f Altomonte's most notable landmarks were built, includ- ing churches and public build- ings that still stand today, giv- ing the village its timeless medieval atmosphere. I n d e e d , A l t o m o n t e ' s u r b a n l a y o u t r e m a i n e d largely unchanged and is still quintessentially medieval today: walking through its narrow streets and observing its medieval buildings offers visitors a chance to step into their very own, Middle Ages- set fantasy novel. One of the most prominent landmarks in Altomonte is t h e C h u r c h o f S a n t a M a r i a d e l l a C o n s o - lazione, a masterpiece of G o t h i c a r c h i t e c t u r e w i t h Renaissance influences. Built in the 14th century by order o f F i l i p p o S a n g i n e t o , t h e church is famous for its stun- ning frescoes and ornate inte- rior, which reflect the artistry of the period. Attached to the church is the Museo Civico, home to an impressive collec- tion of medieval and Renais- sance art, including works by Simone Martini. Another significant site is the Norman Castle, a sym- bol of the village's strategic importance during medieval t i m e s . T h o u g h p a r t i a l l y restored, the castle maintains much of its original structure and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding land- scape. The castle grounds are often used for cultural events and festivals, making it a live- ly part of the village's com- munity life today. I am sure you won't be sur- prised to discover that such a history- and art-filled village is also famous for its color- f u l t r a d i t i o n s , m a n y o f which are celebrated through a n n u a l f e s t i v a l s . T h e Altomonte Festival, held every summer, is one of the village's most significant cul- tural events, and attracts visi- tors with its mix of art, music, and theater. During the festi- val, the streets come alive w i t h p e r f o r m a n c e s a n d exhibits that highlight both local talent and international artists. Altomonte is a place truly dedicated to protect and disseminate its traditions and culture, keeping alive the past in events that can give visitors a deep sense of the place's his- torical roots. Of course, Altomonte also has a strong connection with food, which is a key part of its identity. As with much of Calabria, Altomonte's cuisine is centered around simple, hearty ingredients that reflect the agricultural landscape: olive oil, wine, and salumi (cured meats) are all pro- duced locally and are integral to the village's culinary tradi- tions. Dishes such as fileja, a type of handmade pasta often served with 'nduja, a spicy, spreadable sausage, are local s p e c i a l t i e s c h a r a c t e r i z e d by the traditionally bold fla- vors of the region. Lagane e ceci, a pasta dish with chick- peas, is another favorite filled with the rural, rustic nature of Calabrian cuisine. Wild game and mushrooms, due to the v i l l a g e ' s p r o x i m i t y t o t h e Pollino National Park, are also commonly featured in traditional dishes. Thanks to the vast use of local ingredi- ents and its cuisine's connec- tion to the land, Altomonte is an ideal place for food lovers looking to indulge in authen- tic southern Italian cuisine. L a s t b u t n o t l e a s t , Altomonte is also known for its ancient thermal baths, which were popular during ancient times for their healing properties. Rich in minerals, they were believed to have t h e r a p e u t i c e f f e c t s , a n d though they are no longer in a c t i v e u s e , t h e y r e m a i n a marker of the village's long, eventful history. T h e O t t o b r a t a Zafferanese is o n e o f t h e m o s t important gastro- nomic festivals in southern Italy, held every S u n d a y i n O c t o b e r i n t h e town of Zafferana Etnea, located on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna. This year, the 44th edition takes place on the 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th of October. It's an event that combines food, culture, and tradition, drawing thousands of visitors each year who are eager to experience the best of Sicily's autumn produce and local heritage. Each Sunday of the Otto- brata is dedicated to cele- brating a different product typical of the Etna region. This year, the first weekend highlighted grapes, the sec- ond focused on honey, the t h i r d w i l l f o c u s o n E t n a apples, and the final Sunday will celebrate mushrooms and chestnuts: all products a r e f e a t u r e d i n c o o k i n g d e m o n s t r a t i o n s , t a s t i n g s , and artisanal markets. Visi- tors can enjoy traditional Sicilian foods like mustard, cheeses, salumi, and wines, all produced from the fertile v o l c a n i c s o i l s u r r o u n d i n g Mount Etna. Crucially, the festival shows supports and highlights agricultural prod- ucts that are certified DOP and DOC, ensuring the high- est quality and authenticity. Another key element of the Ottobrata Zafferanese is its focus on environmental sustainability. In recent years, the festival has intro- duced the use of biodegrad- able tableware, and local pro- d u c e r s e m p h a s i z e e c o - f r i e n d l y p r a c t i c e s , reflecting Sicily's growing commitment to preserving its natural resources. Beyond the food, the festi- val offers a rich program of entertainment and cul- tural events . Live music performances, exhibitions, t r a d i t i o n a l S i c i l i a n f o l k d a n c e s , a n d a c t i v i t i e s f o r children make the Ottobrata a f a m i l y - f r i e n d l y e v e n t . There's even a special "Fam- i l y F r i e n d l y " a r e a w i t h dedicated activities for young visitors. Zafferana Etnea itself, with its beautiful views of Mount Etna and its tradi- tional architecture, adds to the charm of the event. No i s s u e s a b o u t t r a n s p o r t , either, because the Ottobrata is easily accessible with sev- eral large parking areas and shuttle services that bring visitors directly to the heart of the event. Whether you come for the food, the scenic beauty, or the lively atmos- phere, the Ottobrata Zaffer- anese is a must-visit for any- o n e i n S i c i l y d u r i n g t h e month of October. Chestnuts received loads of attention in this year's edition of the Ottobrata (Photo: Kabvisio/Dreamstime) Ottobrata Zafferanese: a tribute to Sicily's autumn traditions Altomonte, where the essence of the Middle Ages lives on The Medieval charm of Altomonte, in Calabria (Photo: Julio Millan Gutierrez/Dreamstime) LIFE PEOPLE PLACES HERITAGE TRADITIONS

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