Petrognola, Sant’anastasio, two small villages, a stone’s trow one from the other, in the hamlet of San Romano, Piazza al Serchio. Small but rich of tradition, of products, of fields, of life. Here, as in all the mountain villages, modernity has replaced the old methods of cultivation, changing the way of life of workers and inhabitants. but the flavors have not changed, and is thanks to the passion and care of the growers and producers that we can still savor the oldest recipes, prepared with local produce, pearls of these areas. Among all, the crown jewel is undoubtedly the spelt, the cultivation of which has never been abandoned there, and received, thanks to the secular passion of its producers, the brand IGP.
Once a year, in July, it is possible to experience the hospitality and excellent cuisine of the inhabitants of these villages during the festival “spelled counties” (le contee del farro). It is a gastronomic itinerary that the visitor follow with the help of a map, almost like a treasure hunt to discover the pleasures of the palate. It starts from the entrance of the village of sant ‘anastasio and stop at various farmyards where families who live there prepare food stalls in each of which you can taste a traditional dish, all, or nearly, made with spelt. Between a stand and the other, you walk through the village, where you can appreciate the attention to every detail with which each inhabitant contributes to preserve its ancients characteristics.
The trail continues through the village of Petrognola and ends in the sports field where people party together, cheered by the music of the citizens band.
What is most moving is the hospitality of the inhabitants, their passion for the land that shines from their face and it becomes clear as soon as you encourage them to tell; the passion for their products, which is located in each dish. Walking through the farmyards, you encounter different people in traditional dress, brides on horseback, peasants, and you can rediscover ancient crafts .. the beater, who fought with the “correggiato” (a particular agricultural instrument) the fields of spelt and then collect the ears; the spinster, who spun hemp by hand, with the spindel and the distaff; the farmer, who sharpened his tools by beating them with a hammer on a small portable anvil; the chairs-thatcher, who caned by hand the chairs of all the village..
The friendly visitors in the picture are two mountain lovers and food festivals, and can confirm how much this is an event not to be missed. It was discovered through the agenda of Ponti nel Tempo, and if the mark on their agendas, in order not to miss it completely, and repeat again next year, this pleasant experience.
So, A greedy walk, to lose themselves in a world now gone, but that here is still alive and finds full life every year, thanks to the timeless passion of these unsuspecting masters of the tradition.
To see more photos about the event click HERE!