Deep into the heart of Capestrano, a village not just steeped in history but also brimming with life. Here, the balance between hard work and joyful living paints a vibrant picture of community spirit. Through this post, we’ll explore how the residents of Capestrano, both old and new, have cultivated a culture of welcoming warmth tempered with a natural prudence born of deep-rooted traditions.
A Welcoming Community with Open Arms and Wise Hearts
As newcomers to Capestrano, our first impression was shaped by the remarkable open-heartedness of its residents. Despite the deep generational roots that could have fostered a more insular community, the locals were incredibly inviting. True, there’s a palpable sense of caution—a natural protectiveness that any small community with a rich history might have. Yet, this is paired with a genuine openness to those who come with respect for their way of life.
Navigating our initial interactions, we faced the comedic hurdles of language barriers. Despite our muddled Italian and their spirited hand gestures, the warmth never waned. Now, we, the English-speaking ensemble, have been affectionately dubbed “the Inglesis” by the locals. This nickname, delivered with a twinkle in the eye, underscores a blend of humor and acceptance, as Capestrano’s community embraces not just our presence, but also our linguistic blunders.
Meeting Our Neighbor Leandro: The Heart of Community
In the picturesque setting of Capestrano, where traditions run deep and neighbors feel like family, we met Leandro, our next-door guardian angel. He particularly makes it a point to visit when I’m at the house working alone, telling me, “We are not in New York where people are distant.” He wants to ensure that I’m doing well, embodying the close-knit spirit of our community.
With each visit, Leandro brings a little piece of his garden—tomatoes, peppers, or whatever is in season—sharing not just the bounty of his labor but also a slice of his life. Despite his advancing years, he also takes upon himself to maintain the communal grass areas, and occasionally, he’ll even trim some of ours.
Once, in an attempt to show my gratitude, I left him a bottle of wine. He returned soon after to gently scold me, insisting that such thanks were unnecessary. “My grandfather and father before him did the same,” he told me, reinforcing the deep-rooted sense of community duty that guides his actions. He even showed us the stairs inside his home—stairs where he took his first steps, built incrementally by his grandfather who, after long days working the fields, dedicated himself to crafting a lasting legacy within the very walls of Leandro’s childhood home.
Leandro’s gestures and stories are a constant reminder of the warmth and resilience that characterize our new home, embedding within us a profound respect for the enduring bonds of this community
Meeting Vincenzo: A Glimpse into a Changing Landscape
In our exploration of the neighboring town of Navelli, we had the poignant privilege of meeting Vincenzo, a 75-year-old local whose story mirrors the shifting dynamics affecting many small Italian towns. The economic vitality that once buzzed through these communities has slowly ebbed as younger generations migrate to larger cities in search of employment, leaving behind the rich traditions and family legacies that defined their hometowns.
Vincenzo, with a voice tinged with emotion and a mix of Italian and local dialect, shared a particularly heartrending aspect of this generational shift. With teary eyes, he recounted how he was compelled to sell the olive groves that had been in his family for generations. His son, having moved far away for better job opportunities, chose not to take over the harvests, a decision that not only marks a profound personal loss for Vincenzo but also signifies a deeper change in the fabric of rural life. His story is a powerful reminder of the personal and communal impacts of economic and social transformations in these historic towns.
A Warm Embrace from Capestrano
We are continuously inspired by the spirit and resilience of Capestrano’s people. Each day enriches us with deeper connections to this land and its inhabitants, reinforcing our sense of belonging in a community that values its roots while warmly opening its arms to newcomers. We look forward to creating more shared memories and strengthening the bonds that link us all to this remarkable village.
As we further integrate ourselves into the fabric of local life, we eagerly anticipate not just sharing more of these experiences with you but also inviting you to feel the pulse of Capestrano through our stories. Your interest and engagement are what help us bridge the gap between the old and the new, fostering a community that celebrates every member.
