Abruzzo News: 22 April 2000

The possibly complete remains of an "ursus speleus", extinct for 30,000 years, were found in the Grotta di Beatrice Cenci, Cappadocia. In the same area some years ago fragments of the same species were found.

This beatiful, pagan tradition is the breaking of colored eggs: the winner is that who breaks the adversary's egg with his own. At 11.30 the mass, then in piazza D'Albenzio the "Madonna che corre" for five consecutive times, until in the final run the statue loses its black robe. Since 1919 the statues are carried by the De Amicis family.

Pietro D'Angelo, born in Teramo on 22 april 1900, will celebrate his birthday on Monday. Open minded and friendly, always a hard worker, Pietro has six children. He likes a good game of cards (scopa).

The tradition was introduced some hundred years ago from Sulmonese immigrants. After the mass, a first encounter of the statues of Maria of Magdala and the Virgin Mother. Then the statue of Jesus arrives, Magdalene announces the resurrection to Maria and San Giovanni. Fianlly Jesus and Mary meets in the centre of the square.

Tomorrow afternoon a historical re-enactment and on Tuesday at 15 the palio delle contrade. «Lu Bbongiorne» is a parade of historical characters, with folksingers and the following pieces: «Fantiulla da li capelli ramati», «Lingue serpenti», «Serenata perduta», «Fanciulla aulentissima» and «S. Selvestre Patrone e Pape».

A Canadian delegation (mayor Robert M. Morrow and counsellors Anderson, Gordon Bullock and Gabe Macaluso) is in town to celebrate a twinship with Castiglione, which thousands of emigrants left for Canada.

Many fine itineraries in the Maiella. The hermitage of Santo Spirito founded by Pietro da Morrone (later Pope Celestino V). San Bartolomeo, created in the rock, a half hour into the mountains. Sant'Onofrio at Serramonacesca, a few km from the abbey of San Liberatore (the first Benedictine settlement in Abruzzo). And San Giovanni, in the territory of Caramanico, inside a natural reserve.

Three days of celebrations from tomorrow to 25 april. Tomorrow at 17.30 the holy relics of San Giustino will be brought to tha parish. then the statue will be carried in a procession. On Tuesday the traditional pilgrimage to the sanctuary of Madonna d'Appari. Then medieval dances, concerts and fireworks.