Buon Giorno Good Travelers,

During the period between 1880 and 1920 many Southern Italians left their homes to find a better life. They immigrated to Canada, South America, other parts of Europe, and of course the United States. The story of Roseto Valfortore and its namesake, Roseto, Pennsylvania, is a microcosm of that vast movement. Small villages and towns gave up young people and indeed whole families. The immigrants tended to cluster in places where their culture could survive while at the same time assimilating into the new one. The slate-quarrying community of Roseto, Pennsylvania is perhaps the best-known American community where traditions carried over from the Old Country have continued.

Several books have been written, and one, The Roseto Story, chronicles a health study that found those who kept the old traditions tended to have fewer heart attacks. From a sociological point of view, it is also interesting to study which traditions exactly have persisted. One of the better-known festivals is the Big Time — Our Lady of Carmel, which has its roots in Roseto Valfortore and is celebrated in both communities in July of each year. A minor festival, celebrated in Italy but not in America, is for the Madonna della Consolazione, and this is the festival in which we will have the opportunity to participate during our tour.

Perhaps you have family roots in Roseto Valfortore. Perhaps you don’t, but do know your forefathers or mothers came from some village where some in Southern Italy. Or, you might not have roots in Italy at all, but would like to adopt a village as your own. In any case, you are most welcome to join us for a joyous exploration of a way of life that in becoming more admired as time passes. All things that contribute to health, longevity and a sense of satisfaction with life can be explored while in Puglia.

Gwen Erwood
President, Travel Concepts International