Abruzzo News: 6 February 2000

In the former Liceo scientifico the municipality has etablished a bed and breakfast centre especially targeted to jubilee pilgrims and later to tourists. Sulmona is one of the key places on the Franciscan itineraries, with Assisi and San Giovanni Rotondo in Apulia.

Beppe Frattaroli presented last Friday his latest album in Rome. Many in the public had come from Sulmona and Bugnara. The title of his Cd is «...il viaggio...», styles are varied: pop, swing, rock, tango, French chanson. The concert revenues will go to Sarajevo's children.

Enio Brancaccio, 75, goldsmith at 110 viale D'Annunzio, still remembers his father saying «Remember, you always have to learn». The Brancaccio saga began in 1892 in Giulianova, where founder Giuseppe was born. He learned his job and in 1910 settled in Pescara, where he opened a goldsmith's job near a tobacco factory, whose female workers always went to him to order presentosas, typical engagement jewels. Then he went to the war where he earned a gold metal, married, raised a family, lived through the hardships of another war.

A direct phone line between the municipality and the Abruzzo club in Melbourne, Australia, with toccolano president Remo Guardiani, to exchange wishes on the Patron's day. Historian Antonio Alfredo Varrasso, researching in Australia, was the official delegate for Castiglione's mayor Francesco Chiola. Prof. Varrasso will also lecture on Abruzzese history and traditions.