Superstitions
by isolina_it
Supersticions and prejudices are diffused all over Calabria as they date back from past traditions but they are so rooted in people culture that even in modern times they can not be erased or forgotten.
The `malocchio` or `iettatura` is still pretty spread in Calabria.
It might happen you hear about the death of a pet due to the bad influence of somebody who `put his eyes on it`, or that your ripen grape is already rotten because your neighbour has `put his eyes on it` , this somebody then is called `iettatore`.
Musical Tradition
by isolina_it
Calabrian people are still interested in traditional music culture passed down from father to son, particularly in little towns, despite the advent of electronic musical instruments. Typical instruments are something particular; their role and that of musicians is strong and still in use in the popular conscience.
In Calabria there is a great variety of musical instruments, but some of them are practically extinct. Some are still made in specialised workshops, other ones are directly made by musicians. Workshops are very important places for musical tradition; indeed they allow instruments' exchange and are a meeting point and an example for musicians.
The most known typical instrument is "zampogna" or "ciaramella", a typical instrument of Calabrian pastoral culture. "Ciaramella", or "the playing goat" as it is called by some musician, is one of the main instrument of Calabrian pastoral culture. It is common throughout the Region in four different versions; it is used above all during feasts and rites.
In Calabria, Christmas is the period when it is possible to hear the sound of these magic and old instruments: zampogna players go visiting towns and cities, knocking on doors and announcing Gospel. It is a rite to welcome the zampogna player in one's own house, where he plays the zampogna in front of the crib scene. It bodes well for families to give him something and say: "See you next year".
Piazza 1 Maggio
by isolina_it
It is the main square,,the place where most events are held and naturallythe meeting point for everybody. In summer cars are not allowed to enter, so it is usual to walk to and fro with your mates for hours, ``a braccetto`` ;) and talk about people around.
Nice hobby!!!
Calabrian Bread
by isolina_it
To me, it is the best of all. So soft and tasty as it is just baked, just to eat with a bit of olive oil, salt and oregano on top.
Everywhere bakers make it good, the best to me in Palmi are the baker ``La Strappita`` (dont look for a shop with board name on Palmi, there is none, you just have to ask around where you can find it) and the baker at Barritteri, next to pizzeria La Collina, on the way to S Elia.
Spaghetti `ca muddica (Spaghetti with breadcrumb)
by isolina_it
ingredients
400g. spaghetti
2 cloves garlic
1 hot chilli
1handful breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon parmesan
Oil, salt and pepper
Preparation
In a small pan fry the garlic cloves and the chilli with enough oil to season the pasta, increasing the amount in proportion to the increase in the amount of pasta.
In general four tablespoons per person.
In a plate, mix the breadcrumbs with the parmesan, a pinch salt and pepper and a drop of olive oil
Put on the fire a cast-iron frying pan and heat till steaming, add the bread and toast it, stirring always, so they are toasted uniformly.
Reserve.
Cook the spaghetti in abundant salted water and drain when they are still al dente.
Put the spaghetti into a hot bowl and season with the prepared oil?.
Add the toasted serve immediate
Special tips: 1)usual spaghetti are not the normal ones but a wheat variety called ``stroncatura``.2) Even more tasty if you dress with tipycal chilly olive oil and tuna combination
Buon appetito!
Sign in with Facebook
Palmi Beach
many views walking down to the beach
First view of the sea from my room
