2008 – A Fantastic Summer!

(Part 1)

 

Antonio Piccoli di maone

 

It has been a long summer, a happy and satisfying time for all.  There has not been a night with out something going on.  In July there was ArteMusicaGusto (ArtMusicFlavor), an outstanding event highlighted by a nightlong feast (“notte bianca”).  Then, at the beginning of August, there was the John Fante Literary Festival, followed by the feasts of the patron saints and a crowning event in the middle of August, which I will write about later.  I have already written about the nightlong feast; unfortunately, I was not present for the John Fante and Abruzzese Theatrical Festivals, the latter held August 5-7, and so if anyone would like to report on them, we would be most grateful. 

This year I was on vacation in Torricella from the 9^th to the 19^th of August, and so I can only report on the events that took place during that period of time. 

 

Feast of Patron Saints

The Feast of Patron Saints took place August 8-9, Friday and Saturday, a few days earlier than usual.  What a shame!!.…because most people started their vacation on Saturday, August 9^th.  Besides the procession though the streets of the village in honor of Saints Marziale, Domenico and Rocco, there was a marching band and a fireworks display, both very moving as usual.  The Feast of Patron Saints features the “Parade of the Conche” (copper water containers) in the afternoon and the “fiaccolata” (torchlight event) on the Corso (main avenue) with the streetlights off.   For the “Parade of the Conche” girls dressed up with dazzling Abruzzese traditional costumes.  They say the parade was very well orchestrated and picturesque, accompanied by the accordion music of Giose Di Fabrizo di callere.  There was a crowd of onlookers on both sides of the street taking photos and filming the event.  It took place under the Church of San Giacomo, a bit like last year with music and with streaming and circular fireworks.  Everybody was pleased with the choice of the location, under the “tirriete” (dialectical name for the terrace in front of the church), and amazed by the firework display.  

 

Ecological Hike

August 10^th there was another event organized by the tireless Pro Loco:  an ecological hike.  It was a nice, cool day because it had rained the day before.  There were only around 30 participants.  Perhaps the next time the event should be publicized more.  On the days prior to the event, it had been cold and rainy, just like in June when the same event was postponed.  The group left around 9am and arrived around 1pm at the Church of the Alpine Guard.  The hike was supposed to go towards Sant’Antonio and the medical clinic, then down and across a stream, and then up towards the Hermitage of Saint Rinaldo in Fallascoso.  Unfortunately, it was impossible to get to the hermitage because the trail was impenetrable (perhaps next year we should organize an ecological day to clean up that area).  The group ended up going back towards the road, just above the Fonte Nuova (New Fount), and then to the Church of the Alpine Guard, where a lunch with pasta, barbecued meat and watermelon was served.  It was the first time most had hiked in that area.  During the meal we talked about the experience; we agreed the hike covered some very beautiful areas and was not that hard to do.  It could be better organized, and the trail could be made more accessible with signs and rest stops. 

 

“Lu Sole Allevate”  (“The Rising Sun”)

At night there was folk music.  The group “Lu Sole Allevate” from Fossacesia gave the town a blast playing many Abruzzese songs, some full of irony and sexual innuendos, and ones that we all know by heart in Torricella.  They played in front of the various bars on the main avenue and concluded their show in front of the “Rue di Giuannielle” (stairway alley in Torricella).  People really enjoyed singing along with them.  They should be brought back for future events. 

 

Feast of the Local Sports Association

On August 11^th the Sport Association held their annual celebration.  Last year it did not work out well because of the rain.  This year, on the other hand, it went really well.  It took place in the Pinetina (small pine grove park), which has become the preferred location for feasts and town celebrations; it has a lot of space, and it does not interfere with traffic and public tranquility.  There was also a band for those who love ballroom dancing, and people danced till late at night.  As usual, the goal of the event was to collect money for the local sports association through the sale of food and raffle tickets.  The raffle prizes consisted of a scooter, a TV, a satellite navigation system and an entire prosciutto.  Thousands of tickets were sold, and the organizers of the event were more than satisfied. 

This year the Torricella Peligna soccer team did very well in the first amateur division, remaining always in first place.  They also participated in a regional championship with the best teams of other divisions, and they reached the final.  Unfortunately, they lost, but they had never done so well. 

The sports association is performing an important role in Torricella and elsewhere by organizing soccer training camps and teams for all ages.  It is nice to see kids get together and spend their time in a healthy way even in such rural areas. 

As a further news item, this year’s “Il Palio di Torricella” summer tournament was won by Colle Zingaro (hamlet of Torricella); they defeated “Il Corso” (main street team) in the final match. 

 

August 12^th

On August 12^th not that much occurred.  On the stage of the Pineta (Pinewood) Park, there was a singer who tried to imitate Vasco Rossi (a well-known Italian rock singer).  Then, on the open theater behind the Pineta, DJs played rock music, and there was barbequed meat and beer for all.

A night of relaxation was in order so that people could simply take in the beauty of Torricella with its unique layout:  the Corso, the Viale (walkway in front of the town hall) and the Pineta, one after the other in a space as large as Piazza Navona in Rome…….no village has such nice pedestrian walkways within its residential area.  In the summertime you can stroll on the sidewalks and in the pinewood park without ever getting tired or bored.  If you want to sit down, there are three bars, all very inviting.  As you stroll you meet friends, relatives and acquaintances.  It is impossible to walk for more than a few minutes without stopping to greet someone.  It’s wonderful!  You never know whom you will meet from one moment to another. 

English translation courtesy of Dan Aspromonte with the assistance of Edoardo Gentile

Photos courtesy of Antonio Piccoli di maone