The Nineteen-Fifties: 50% inhabitants work in agriculture, the average income is lowest than the average in the Italian South. "The Times" wrote «A region of the deep south, faraway and poor. Just over one million inhabitants, 200,000 emigrants in just 15 years, no industries whatsoever». Abruzzo, year 1999: the highest income in the South, the highest number of industry workers (33%), lowest unemployment rate (9.6%), and lowest crime rate. New perspectives in investments, banking, tourism. What about the future? Unemployment is the greatest issue, as well as a more meritocratic approach in society.

"Guerra e società a Fossacesia: storia e memoria, 1943-1945", author Alberto Micolucci, published by Itinerari di Lanciano, recounts the Sangro battles and all the sufferings of the populations of Fossacesia, Santa Maria Imbaro, Mozzagrogna, Paglieta, Rocca San Giovanni, Torino di Sangro, San Vito Chietino and Lanciano, from 1943 to 1945, through the momories of 116 citizens and research in Italian and foreign libraries and archives.

A copy of "2000 & beyond", the peace monument whose original was placed in Bethlehem a few days ago, will be inaugurated tomorrow in piazza Capograssi. The monument, a number 2 supporting three rings symbolizing the three monotheistic religions was inaugurated on 24 december by the Italian Premier Massimo D'Alema, Emel JarJuee representing Yasser Arafat, Hanna Nasser (the mayor of Bethlehem), and Palestinian ambassador, Nemer Hammad. The municipality of Sulmona wants the monument to become a beacon of friendship to the world. Franco Iezzi, who is not a sculptor but "just a normal Italian", days he felt the need to materialize the feeling that the land of Palestine, a mixture of races and faiths, nurtures a deep wish for peace.

Manoppello - A project to restore traditional houses was presented by six municipalities (Manoppello, Turrivalignani, Serramonacesca, Casalincontrada, Roccamontepiano and Bucchianico). The "case di terra" were the typical, poor homes of the peasants of the 19th century, and have a great historical value. Giovanni Terreri, Counsellor of Manoppello , says only in his municipalities there are 85 earthen houses, while Casalincontrada has over 100. the restoration will try to keep faith to this original construction technique, a mixture of hay and earth.

11th edition of the "fiaccolata" tomorrow. At 17.30 in the church of San Nicola a concert with the Val Pescara choir, then a giant bonfire in piazza Santa Lucia, to warm the large crowd of spectators to the train of torch-bearing skiers coming down from monte Mava.

« previous --- next»