The summer program is dedicated to the memory of Rocky Marciano, born 1 sept 1923 in Brockton, where his father Pierino Marcheggiano, an emigrant from Ripa, had settled. At the entrance of Ripa a statue welcomes the visitor. In the article the program of events.

Mempo Giardinelli, one of the greatest living South American writers, won in 1996 the Romulo Gallegos prize, with his "Santo oficio de la memoria", a saga of Italian and Abruzzese emigration in Argentina. Giardinelli, 53, lives in the Chaco and teaches Latin-American literature. This is the first interview on his Abruzzese roots.

The small museum in the church of San Nicola hosts ancient pergamons, relics from the workshop of artist Nicola from Guardiagrele, 48 silver jewels, a painting by Federico Spoltore.

Four different appointments tonight: in via Zara-viale Nettuno a live music event with liscio and latin American dances. More dances at rotonda Michetti, karaoke in contrada Pretaro and in piazza Sant'Alfonso the first gathering of off-road vehicles here for the Coppa di Francavilla al Mare.

Domenico Vecchioni, general consul in Nice, France, with a career that led him to Buenos Aires, Nato, the Council of Europe, is now Minister with the Foreign Department. He is also a fine essayist, author of a biography of Evita Peròn and a reconstruction of the trial to Victor Kravchenko. His latest book is "Spie e spy-stories della seconda guerra mondiale".

"Chi beve birra campa cent'anni; chi beve vino non muore mai", reads a notice in a winery here. Montepagano will be the seat this year of the 27th exhibition of typical wines from 3 to 6 august in the medieval borough. Special guests the association of Italian chefs abroad, "Ciao Italia"; and also a medieval palio and two concerts every evening.

For 44 years now the area has given birth to a great number of twins. Three more events expected in the next few months. The record is still to the Ruggieri favily, who boast 3 couples of twins. In small contrada San Pietro there are six couples.