Local crafts

"The meager food supplies often had to suffice to feed even the "accappanti" (gatecrashers) who stopped there during the year. In that small refuge there was a constant coming and going of people, where the true value of hospitality was experienced. During the year, "lu sanapurcelle", the pig castrator, passed through several times. In winter, "lu sc'ardalana", the craftsman in charge of carding wool for making socks, sweaters, and other items, would stay for a few days. For a few weeks, "Minicuccio lu scarpar" would settle in; with soles, nails, and string, he made nailed shoes for the whole family. He had a pronounced speech defect. He loved to tell stories and was everyone's entertainment. Whenever he was asked to make shoes, his customary question was: "Tu cum r vuoie l'attacc a r capp, a la vlacè o a ciapp e buttu?" ("How do you want the shoe lacing — French style or with hooks fastened with strings?"). This family was capable of living with dignity in cheerful, clean poverty. The closer they were to indigence, the more valuable conviviality became. Sitting at the table with guests became a true ritual, expressed through the joy of being together and sharing stories. People sat at the table not just to eat and drink the few available items, but to enjoy the pleasure of human contact."