Words by Pat Eggleton
Have you ever wanted to visit small towns and villages that are off the beaten tourist track in Italy?
If so, the Borghi più belli d’Italia [“Most Beautiful Villages in Italy”] Club has suggestions for you.
Founded in 2001 on the initiative of the Tourism Council of ANCI [National Association of Italian Municipalities] the Club aims to preserve and promote the heritage and traditions of small towns and villages which would otherwise be at risk of depopulation and decline.
Small towns and villages that register with the Club not only have to meet certain conditions regarding their architectural heritage and quality of life but also have to be committed to improving their activities, services and environment. The Club hopes that people who return to live in these villages and visitors will be able to learn about and benefit from the traditions, customs and products which it is working to preserve.
This year “I Borghi più belli d’Italia” is holding its fifth Festival in San Ginesio and in Sarnano [Marche] from 3rd – 5th September. This Festival will be the first international edition, with delegations from Japan, Portugal, Belgium, Romania, Russia and Greece attending.
The opening ceremony will take place in Sarnano at 17.00 on 3rd September, followed by a display by a traditional flag-waving group and music from drummers. There will then be a typical Marche supper for the delegations and dignitaries.
The fun for visitors really gets under way at San Ginesio on 4th September, with a drumming performance at 10.00. From 10.30 to 17.30 there will be processions of townsfolk in traditional costume, art shows, cultural and musical events and guided visits of the medieval village. At 17.00 Japan and Romania will be officially welcomed into the “Les plus beaux villages de la terre” [“Most Beautiful Villages in the World”] Association. At 21.30 there will be a concert of traditional song and, at midnight, a fireworks display.
On 5th September food and wine stands will be open from 10.00 and at 10.30 a marathon will begin. Processions, cultural events and guided visits of the medieval village will again take place from 10.30 to 19.30 and at 11.00 there will be a conference about the polenta of the area. At 12.30 the marathon prize will be awarded and at 18.00 the Mayors of Sarnano and San Ginesio will deliver the Festival flags to the Mayors of Vernasca and Castel’Arquato, who will be responsible for next year’s festival.
The Festival will close with a performance from the folk group “Colli del Verdicchio” from Staffolo.
Where to stay
If you would like to visit the Festival, you can find accommodation in San Ginesio itself at Il Casolare [“The Cottage”] an authentic agriturismo which, although large, prides itself on its family atmosphere.
Or, if you prefer a relaxing B&B with no children, you may like to stay at La Shambala Country House and Spa, which is within walking distance of San Ginesio. La Shambala has a large swimming pool, hydromassage, a sauna and holistic spa centre.
There will be something for everybody at the “Borghi più belli d’Italia” Festival.
