Abruzzo News: 17 July 2001

17 July/luglio 2001
MESSAGGERO - Happy future for the bear / L'orso, la specie del futuro
The Marsian Orso is the only European bear whose popultion is growing, with 70/100 animals in the Abruzzo National Park. The species, owing to the isolation of their habitat, is also genetically pure and has a wide protected area in the Appennines.

17 July/luglio 2001
MESSAGGERO - Salle - Donkeys' race for San Roberto / Corsa degli asini per San Roberto
Next Friday for the feast of patron San Roberto' a race with eight donkeys, ridden by Sallese men. on the 18th also a procession and the Ancarano band. Fireworks to finish on the 22nd, when the statue of San Roberto will be placed again in its chapel.

17 July/luglio 2001
MESSAGGERO - Lanciano - A 12th century tradition / Una tradizione che risale al XII secolo
In the 12th century in Lanciano there was a flourishing trade of steel needles, documented also in the name of a street, via degli Agorai (=needle makers). The industry was introduced by a Milanese, Giovanni Milasio, and the Lancianese were the only ones in Southern Italy to know the art of needle making. Kink Ladislaw in 1412 gave privileges to the town for that craft. With the decline of the great fairs, also this craft little by little disappeared.