On 30 december 1943 20 civilians were killed by the German troops. On the occasion a special Mass and a photo exhibition with docuents from the tragic event.

Mass-media have standardized the Italian language and dialects are fast disappearing. That is why the new book by Peppino Di Battista "Proverbi abruzzesi di ieri e di oggi" is so important. The proverbs are collected in categories, translated into Italian and explained, as, for example: "Panza satòlle nen créde a lu dijune" (A full belly does not believe in fasting"), meaning that well-off people do not think poor people are seriously suffering.

Nine Abruzzese shepherd puppies were born in the park this Christmas from "Sangro" and "Jona" and will soon be given to a number of shepherds within a project of "ecological sheep-raising".

The inhabitants of the "sestiere" of Porta Manaresca are trying to collect funds to restore the ancient church of Santa Caterina. To attract people in the church there is a wonderful terracotta crib made and hand-painted by Marco Angelilli from Pacentro, inspired to the pastoral tradition of the Peligna valley. The crib can be visited until 7 January (10.30 - 12.30 and 17 - 20).

A video on Roccamontepiano will be shown at 19,30 in the municipality today, tomorrow a living crib in Grava, and on Sunday the "Gran veglione di San Silvestro" followed by music and fireworks. On January 5 at Passolanciano the "Befana sulla Neve" and on the 16th feast of Sant'Antonio Abate with "farchie" and a representation of "Lu Sand'handune".

Giovanni Pascoli, a poet and teacher of Italian, often short of money, wrote for help to the headmaster of his school, Vincenzo Di Paola (1833-1917). Pascoli often visited Torricella Peligna to thank Prof. Vincenzo, a great friend and a very patient creditor. Torricella Peligna was the ancestral town also of John Fante's father, Vincenzo Bellini's grandfather, Silvio D'Amico (Fedele) and Antonio Piccone Stella, the first RAI director.

Vincenzo De Luca from Pescara was first in the 4th "Panfilo Del Beato" Dialect Poetry Prize of Sulmona. The prize commemorates poet Panfilo Del Beato (1890 - 1972), widely known also outside Italy.