In 1933 the Ovra, the fascist police, was encharged with finding the Marsican hamlet described by Silone in his celebrated novel, already published in 25 languages but not yet released in Italy. In the novel the poor peasants had the courage to rebel against the overbearing masters. But the Fascist police could never find a hamlet of that name, without realizing that Fontamara was every and all poor hamlets in Southern Italy.

In 1868, a few years after the establishment of the kingdom of Italy, Nicola Ciccone (alias "Mosca"), 38, was sentenced with others for a number of crimes. After the sentence Mosca disappeared and his destiny is still unknown. Recent historiography is rediscovering the figures of some brigands as patriots (faithful to the older regime) or defenders of the poor population against the foreign Piedmontese.

Ancient Anxia is back. The Mastrogiurato is a reminder of the great commercial proscperity of the town. During the fairs all civil and military power was entrusted to him. At 17.30 today in piazza Plebiscito the processions from the four ancient quarters, Lancianovecchia, Sacca, Civitanova and Borgo, will with all their representatives in costume. Lastly the pageant of the Mastrogiurato arrives, and the Mayor solemnly entrusts the town to him, who gives his solemn oath. Then all the characters in costume parade through the center reacing the plain where the Fair is held.

50 is gold, 60 platinum, but 70 was never decided. Nicola Di Carlo, 90, and Mafalda Gallerizzi, 87, have been married for 70 years. After the Second World War they emigrated to Canada, where their five remaining children have settled and raised a family. 25 years ago they retired to Italy. He still drives his 3-wheeled Ape, she still tastes a cigarette now and then.