| Tagged in: wine , walking , victor Emanuel , victor Emanuel , unification , sibillini , Sarnano , mountains , marche , Italy , italian , holidays , holiday , history , hiking , gola del Infernaccio , food , eating , church , campanilismo , borgias , amandola , 150 | May 24, 2011 |
| Posted by: sarnano | |
150th anniversary of Italian unification
March 17th 2011 marked Italy’s 150th birthday; this surprisingly young nation being unified in 1861 when Victor Emmanuel II was crowned King of Italy. Prior to this Italy consisted of disparate autonomous regions and experienced insurrection and uprising as inhabitants rebelled against independent rulers that included the Roman Catholic Church
"Campanilismo" reinforcing the identities of small Italian communities
Despite the unification of Italy, “campanilismo” or loyalty to one’s “campanile” or bell-tower, to the local community and traditions is alive and well. Initially, this “localism” may appear parochial but in essence it is a positive force, such as pride in local history, culture, folklore, games, political thought, cuisine and creativity. The ties that bind communities together ensure that every area is unique and whilst it may sometimes restrict 21st century advances, it ensures that when embracing these changes, the baby is not thrown out with the bath water.
