L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025 www.italoamericano.org 16 L'Italo-Americano LIFE PEOPLE PLACES HERITAGE O rtisei, known a s U r t i j ë i i n Ladin and St. Ulrich in Ger- m a n , i s a charming town in Italy's V a l G a r d e n a , w i t h i n t h e Dolomites of South Tyrol. Approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) northeast of Bolzano, the provincial cap- ital, Ortisei is famous for its rich cultural heritage, tradi- tional craftsmanship, and b r e a t h t a k i n g a l p i n e scenery. T h e t o w n ' s h i s t o r y i s ancient, with archaeological evidence suggesting prehis- toric human settlements in the area. Over time, Ortisei has evolved into a dynamic center that brings together tradition and modernity with flair. Its architecture reflects this fusion, with traditional Tyrolean wood- en façades alongside more contemporary architectural designs. A notable aspect of Ortisei's cultural identity is its 300-year-old wood- carving tradition, with n u m e r o u s s c u l p t u r e s adorning the streets, in a nod to the town's artistic spirit. Culinary traditions in Ortisei are deeply connect- ed with Alto Adige's alpine culture: local cuisine fea- t u r e s h e a r t y d i s h e s t h a t reflect the area's agricultur- a l h e r i t a g e , i n c l u d i n g speck, a type of smoked ham, which is a regional specialty often enjoyed with f r e s h l y b a k e d b r e a d . Cheeses such as Pustertaler and Graukäse are staples, f r e q u e n t l y i n c o r p o r a t e d into dishes like Kasnock- e n — c h e e s e d u m p l i n g s served with melted butter. P o l e n t a , a c o r n m e a l - based dish, is commonly paired with game meats or r i c h s t e w s , p r o v i d i n g a comforting meal after a day of alpine activities. Ortisei's lively cultural scene is marked by various e v e n t s a n d f e s t i v a l s throughout the year. In the s u m m e r , t h e F o l k l o r e Festival celebrates local t r a d i t i o n s w i t h m u s i c , dance, and traditional cos- tumes, offering visitors an immersive experience of the region's heritage. The Unika Art Fair, also held during the warmer months, shows the works of local artists and woodcarvers, and puts visitors in touch with local craftsmanship and arts. Then, as we get closer to the Christmas sea- son, delightful Christmas M a r k e t s t r a n s f o r m t h e town into a festive wonder- land, with stalls offering handcrafted goods, local delicacies, and seasonal beverages, all steeped in t h e w a r m e s t a n d m o s t inviting atmosphere. Nature enthusiasts will find Ortisei an ideal gate- way to the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site that we all love and k n o w f o r t h e i r s t u n n i n g l a n d s c a p e s a n d o u t d o o r recreational opportunities. The town provides access to several ski lifts, facilitat- ing the exploration of areas like Rasciesa, Seceda, and Alpe di Siusi, all part of the e x p a n s i v e D o l o m i t i Superski region. In win- ter, these areas offer a vari- ety of slopes catering to skiers and snowboarders of all levels, while during the summer months the same l i f t s s e r v e h i k e r s a n d mountain bikers, unveiling a network of trails that tra- v e r s e a l p i n e m e a d o w s , dense forests, and rugged peaks. For those interested in discovering local culture and history, the Museum de Gherdëina presents a comprehensive collection o f a r t i f a c t s a n d e x h i b i t s related to the Val Garde- na region, with interest- ing insights into the area's natural history, artistic tra- ditions, and the daily lives of its inhabitants over the centuries. Additionally, a visit to the Church of San G i a c o m o , t h e o l d e s t church in Val Gardena dat- ing back to the 12th centu- ry, can pay tribute to the region's religious heritage and be a moment to enjoy s o m e l o c a l a r t , t o o : S a n Giacomo is home to a beau- tifully carved wooden altar, which shows the artistic skills and craftsmanship the area is known for. With so many attractions to enjoy, and with excellent cuisine to boot, it isn't sur- prising that Ortisei is com- mitted to offering the best hospitality: from tradition- al family-run guesthouses t o m o d e r n h o t e l s , y o u ' l l find a lovely place to stay in comfort. The town's pedes- trian area is described as the most beautiful shop- ping street in the Dolomites and connects the Chapel of Saint Ulrich to the Anto- nius Church: here, visitors c a n e x p l o r e b o u t i q u e s offering local crafts, enjoy a slice of homemade cake in cozy cafés, or simply take in the charming ambiance of this alpine village. T h e R e g a t a delle Befane is a c h e r i s h e d V e n e t i a n t r a d i - tion held annual- ly on January 6th, coinciding with the celebration of the Epiphany. It is a whimsical event featuring veteran row- ers from the Reale Società C a n o t t i e r i B u c i n t o r o , Venice's oldest rowing club, founded in 1882. All rowers, who must be over 50, dress up as Befane, complete with long skirts, shawls, aprons, and bonnets. They race their traditional Venetian rowing b o a t s , c a l l e d m a s c a r e t e , a l o n g t h e G r a n d C a n a l , bringing an atmosphere of playful festivity to the city's iconic waterways. The race begins near the San Tomà area and ends at the famed Rialto Bridge, w h e r e a l a r g e s t o c k i n g i s suspended to mark the finish line. The event lasts about 15 m i n u t e s , b u t i t s c h a r m extends well beyond the race i t s e l f : l o c a l s a n d t o u r i s t s g a t h e r a l o n g t h e c a n a l ' s banks, cheering on the row- ers and enjoying the com- munal celebrations that fol- l o w . S t a l l s o f f e r h o t chocolate, mulled wine, and sweets, one last nod to the Christmas season which, in Italy, ends on this very day. The tradition in itself is not too old, as it started in 1978 as a lighthearted addi- tion to the Epiphany celebra- t i o n s . A g r o u p o f v e t e r a n rowers from the Bucintoro c l u b d e c i d e d t o a d d s o m e h u m o r t o t h e h o l i d a y b y dressing as witches and rac- ing their boats. Over time, the event became an annual highlight, blending Venice's playful spirit with its deep- rooted traditions. In fact, it perfectly brings together the city's well-known ability to mix sacred and festive ele- ments, pairing serious row- ing skill with theatrical cos- tumes and humor. T h e t e r m B e f a n a o r i g i - nates from Italian folklore, where an old woman delivers gifts to children on the eve of the Epiphany, usually candy, chocolate or little toys. The Regata delle Befane h o n o r s t h e E p i p h a n y b u t a l s o c e l e b r a t e s V e n i c e ' s l a s t i n g c o n n e c t i o n t o i t s waterways, its community's commitment to preserving traditions and its love for having lighthearted, good natured fun. While we wait for Venice's iconic Carnevale, it's nice to get into the mood which such a joyful expres- sion of Venetian life. Witches Rowing at Regatta of Befana in Venice, called Regata delle Befane. Members of Bucintoro Rowing Club Racing from San Toma to Rialto Bridge on the Feast of the Epiphany © Dietmar Rauscher | Dreamstime.com The Regata delle Befane: folk- lore and fun on the Grand Canal Ortisei, a winter wonderland Ortisei, with its colorful houses (Photo: Nataliya Nazarova/Dreamstime)

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