How does that song say…? The music is over… the friends are leaving… yes, the party is over, but our memories and our emotions do not end here, for a party on 27 and 28 April, which brought to mind ancient aromas and flavors .
The second edition of the Matticella Artichoke Festival, with the direction of the Pro Loco Velitrae, at the “Coltivendo” market in via Rioli, promoted, together with the municipal administration, in the persons of the councilor for agriculture and food sovereignty Dr. Cristian Simonetti, to the city councilor Dr. Debora Rossi, a local product, such as the artichoke, which together with oil and wine has made our city a city sought after by enthusiasts of good food and by many tourists who know how to appreciate the products of this ancient and fertile land with an enviable climate. The event was created thanks to the synergy of various associations, such as ArtisticaMente APS, with the extraordinary members, Fanta Jungla and the Vignaroli Velletrani APS, who together with the municipal administration, made this festival unforgettable.
On Saturday 27th in the presence of the mayor Ascanio Cascella, an important moment was dedicated to the artichoke, to the ancient recipes and to its cultivation together with the local restaurateurs Bussoletti Valter, Santini Daniele and with Caponera Fabrizio, organic farmer. Even on Sunday the reflection on the goodness of this product continued with the dedicated conference: “Artichokes and the development of local products” with the coordination of Dr. Emanuele Cammaroto, in the presence of the mayor Ascanio Cascella, the councilor Dr. Cristian Simonetti, the National President of “Città del Vino”, Dr. Angelo Radica, by Dr. Alfredo D’Antimi, regional manager of “Città dell’olio” and the regional councilor for agriculture and food sovereignty Hon. Dr. Giancarlo Righini.
Thousands of tourists from many parts of Italy were able to appreciate this excellence, the pride of our city, and taste the artichoke cooked by the I Vignaroli Velletrani Aps association, according to the ancient tradition, on vine shoots, the result of the previous pruning, matting, and listening to good music with Stornell’Attori, Erre Sei, Lavinia Fiorani and Icaro (tribute to Renato Zero). The patience of all those present in waiting for the correct cooking of what the restaurant offered was commendable: the homemade pasta with artichokes and bacon, the Velletrana pasta, but above all the artichokes and grilled meat, cooked on the spot. We certainly didn’t expect such a massive number from the first hours, we will be able to improve in reducing the wait and for the third edition we will take advantage of the experience acquired.
We would like to first of all thank the municipal administration which gave continuity to the project, the municipal councilor Cristian Simonetti, the municipal councilor Debora Rossi, Velletri Servizi in the person of Dr. Alfonso Mauro, the architect. Paolo Candidi and the technical offices of the Municipality of Velletri, the Volsca, the police station, the local police, the sponsors, the Schiaffini company which made the shuttle buses available, the florist Cinzia Canini for the wonderful scenography, the artisans present , Mr. Emiliano Duca, Dr. Pasquale Laquinto Head of Cisom, Italian Relief Corps of the Order of Malta. Finally we thank the city of wine and the city of oil, the sommeliers, the cellars and the oil mills present, we thank everyone, absolutely everyone who participated and made the Festival great.
Anna Morsa
Pro loco Velitrae
