Skiing company "Tre nevi" and British tour operator Thompson signed an agreement for the year 2000-2001. British tourist-skiers will fly by British Airways in Rome and proceed to Abruzzo.

Until 20 years ago this most ancient event was only for faithfuls. Then books, brochures and tv and the peace was over. The festival goes back to Roman times, when the cult of goddess Angizia, protector againt snakes poison, was introduced. Then with Christianity a poor friar from Ciociaria settled here and his figure was connected to the snakes rite.

This ancient celebration, probably going back to Lombard times (6th century AD) was repeated. A tree, symbol of the end of famine and the beginning of fertility is planted before the church. On this day traditionally shepherds were chosen, and this marked for the poor labourers the end of unemployment.

The sacred and profane together again for five days in honor of san Camillo De Lellis. yesterday the procession with the holy relic, then a torch-bearing parade, dances and songs and on 7 May the San Camillo march from the sanctuary to the calcara (stone mine) following the itinerary of the saint bringing bread and comfort to the poor "fornaciari".

Soup and farro "tranette" with lard (tomatoes arrived after 1492), then lamb with spice, lettuce and zucchini, a ricotta and honey cake, apples and melon for fruit. No wine because they are too young. This "historical" and healthy menu was enjoyed by the young students of the local Liceo Scientifico with their teachers. Aim is to show the continuity with the past and oppose fast food culture.

Thirty bonfires on the hill lighted the sky above Pietranico for patron Madonna della Croce. Tradition says in the Middle Ages fires miraculously appeared to contrast an attack of brigands and save the village population.