GUN PORT. The Councilor for Culture, Valentina Flocco, presents the arrival of the Magi at the living crib of Portocannone. «It seems very far away that day in October 2021 when Mayor Francesco Gallo, the day after our inauguration, confided to us that he would have liked to revive the tradition, all of Portocannonese, of the Arbëreshë Nativity. After just over a year we can say that our Living Nativity has regained all its vigor, indeed it has strengthened, consolidated and well structured thanks to the enthusiasm of the administrators, of course, but above all driven by the active energy of our Pro Loco Skanderbeg, made up of elements grown in the nursery of Don Giuseppe De Virgilio, to which new and young talents are added gradually, even from outside the country.
This year we really had the impression of being on a film set, the scenes set up in the ancient cellars of Borgo Costantinopoli – the house of the shepherd, the blacksmith, the carpenter, the Arbëreshë school, the peasant house, the master cheesemaker, the shop, the greengrocer, the woodcutter, the oil mill, the Greek Orthodox Church, the Nativity – have been cared for down to the smallest detail with the use of objects, tools and furnishings that smell of roots, of family, of the past. Strolling in the village, pampered by the sutler with biscuits, hot pancakes, mulled wine flavored with cinnamon, cloves, orange and lemon, we observe the quick hands of the pasta makers curling the “dhroquet” or grappling with the irons for the “fuzije”, you have to knowing that we also happened to remember the old inhabitants of those houses and recall episodes of real life.
All the extras are truly identified with their role, the soft lights, the warmth of the lit fires allow us to experience beautiful moments of serenity, out of the modern world, for the space of a while». Cinzia Antonucci, president of the Pro Loco, states that «Pro Loco Skanderbeg is the daughter of the living Nativity scene. In fact last year, a spontaneous committee of citizens decided, with so much effort, to reorganize this event which is now part of the history of our community. This year we got back into the game, stronger and more organised, we improved last year’s Crib by purchasing new material and setting up 5 new scenes. Let’s say that we like challenges and our goal is to bring this event back to ever higher levels. Thanks to the availability of our fellow citizens who have made their premises available free of charge ».
And this evening it repeats itself, with the evocative arrival in Skanderberg Square of the Magi on horseback and their procession. We all take this opportunity to thank Don Fernando Manna, for the impetus, presence, availability and spirituality that he has instilled in our representation, as in our Community, since his arrival in the country. The Pro-loco, the mayor, the administrators and all of Portocannone will be happy to welcome all visitors!
At the finish line the Christmas festivities in Portocannone