L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025 www.italoamericano.org L'Italo-Americano 2 F olklore is far more than a decorative tradition to offer t o u r i s t s , j u s t a s Christmas is more than a Nativity scene, a deco- rated tree, or the rituals of g a t h e r i n g s , g r e e t i n g s , a n d gifts. Everything that shapes the daily life of a community, its sacred or secular rites, its habits and customs, its artis- tic expressions, is the living soul of any society, large or small. This rich cultural heritage is how people connect with one another, tell local stories, and celebrate their iden- From past to present across the cultural bridge of folklore From the Editor tity. In a world where tourism plays an increasingly central role in the global economy, it is essential to understand how folklore can become a bridge between past and pre- sent: a way to support the economic wellbeing of local communities while also protecting pieces of the past that today's fast-paced society might otherwise forget, precious fragments of collective history that are unique and irre- placeable. Imagine walking through the streets of a town and hear- ing traditional melodies drifting through the air. Each note carries ancient stories passed down through generations. Folk dances, vivid costumes, and local fairs do more than entertain visitors: they offer an authentic window into the customs and traditions of a region shaped by centuries of contact, exchange, and evolution. When the Bandierai degli Uffizi take us back to the Flo- rentine Republic of 1530, when Venice's Carnival evokes the splendor and excesses of the eighteenth century, or when Nola's Festival of the Gigli recalls events from the early fifth century, we are not simply watching staged pageants: these moments offer real chances to reconnect with our social roots and to understand the cultural forces that shaped the world we inherited. These spectacular, vibrant, and truly popular experi- ences encourage travelers to immerse themselves in local culture, opening real dialogue between visitors and com- munities. By joining traditional festivals or costumed parades, tourists learn old legends, crafts, and trades. They enjoy memorable experiences while also helping preserve sections of the local economy, and at the same time they contribute to the survival of cultural legacies that might otherwise fade away. Artisan markets, for instance, allow visitors to purchase handmade objects shaped by skills that are increasingly rare, while materially supporting the arti- sans who keep these traditions alive. It becomes a virtuous cycle in which the appreciation of local culture translates into concrete economic support. For this to work, however, it must happen with respect for the communities involved. The real challenge is to bal- a n c e w e l c o m i n g t r a v e l e r s w i t h s a f e g u a r d i n g c u l t u r a l authenticity; local people should be the ones leading the creation and management of folklore-based tourism expe- riences because only in this way can their heritage be pro- tected and preserved for future generations. Yet folklore is not important only as a tourism resource; it is a treasure that deserves protection for its cultural value alone. In an increasingly globalized world, rediscovering and valuing local customs means refocusing on the uniqueness and beauty of the many cultures that form our shared heritage. Encountering a city or community through its artistic or expressive traditions – material or intangible – requires a posture of listening and openness, one that allows us to appreciate the exceptional creativity these forms embody. In an age dominated by technology and instant informa- tion, which nonetheless plays a key role in spreading knowledge, folklore offers a precious antidote to the sense of social disconnection that many people feel. Younger gen- erations, searching for meaning and authenticity, can find in traditional practices – folk dancing, group singing, local fairs – moments of shared social life that strengthen rela- tionships and create a vital sense of belonging. It is the same spirit that shapes the festive season, which we hope you will experience as a time to connect deeply with the people around you. Simone Schiavinato, Editor Simone Schiavinato NEWS & FEATURES TOP STORIES PEOPLE EVENTS P.O.BOX 6528, ALTADENA, CA 91003 Member of FUSIE (Federazione Unitaria Stampa Italianaall'Estero), COGITO L'Italo-Americano Please send correspondence to P.O. Box 40156 Pasadena CA 91114 www.italoamericano.org L'Italo-Americano Newspaper (a 501(c)(3) non- profit organization), www.italoamericano.org, is the largest and longest-running Italian news- paper in America, not to mention the cultural and news resource for all things Italian in the US. A bilingual newspaper which represents an historical landmark for the Italian American Communities in the West Coast and throughout the US. L'Italo-Americano benefits from subsidies by the Italian Government, Memberships and Donations intended to support and not interrupt a mission that began in 1908 to preserve and promote the Italian language and culture in the USA Periodicals postage paid at Monrovia, California 91016, and additional mailing offices. PUBLISHER Robert Barbera Grande Ufficiale EDITOR IN CHIEF Simone Schiavinato ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER Patrick Abbate EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Barbara Minafra COPY EDITOR Francesca Bezzone LOS ANGELES CONTRIBUTOR Silvia Nittoli SAN FRANCISCO CONTRIBUTOR Serena Perfetto SEATTLE CONTRIBUTOR Rita Cipalla CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mariella Radaelli, Matt Walker, Francesca Bezzone, Luca Ferrari, Stefano Carnevali, Paula Reynolds, Teresa Di Fresco Nicoletta Curradi, Generoso D'Agnese, Jessica S. Levy, Fabrizio Del Bimbo, Maria Gloria, Chuck Pecoraro, Anthony Di Renzo Serena Perfetto, Kenneth Scambray, Chiara D'Alessio, Luca Signorini, Giulia Franceschini © 2025 L'Italo-Americano Membership: One year $59 - Single copy $2.25 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to L'Italo Americano P.O. Box 40156 Pasadena CA 91114

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