Giovanni Marino - Photojournalist

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  • Basilicata, Italy - The wind energy at sunset.
    Pale Eoliche 05-1.jpg
  • Basilicata, Italy - The wind energy
    Pale Eoliche 03.jpg
  • Craco/Basilicata/Italy - oct 10, 2009<br />
Craco is an abandoned Italian village located in the Region of Basilicata and the Province of Matera. During the mid-twentieth century, recurring earthquakes began to take a toll on the viability of the town. Between 1959 and 1972, portions of the village were severely damaged and rendered uninhabitable by a series of frana, or landslides. The geological threat to the town was known to scientists since 1910, due to Craco's location on a hill of Pliocene sands overhanging the clays, with ravines causing progressive incisions. Now, Craco is uninhabited. In 1963, the 1,800 inhabitants were transferred to a valley in a locality called Craco Peschiera. That population is now down to about 970 inhabitants.
    Craco/Basilicata/Italy 003.jpg
  • Craco/Basilicata/Italy - oct 10, 2009<br />
Craco is an abandoned Italian village located in the Region of Basilicata and the Province of Matera. During the mid-twentieth century, recurring earthquakes began to take a toll on the viability of the town. Between 1959 and 1972, portions of the village were severely damaged and rendered uninhabitable by a series of frana, or landslides. The geological threat to the town was known to scientists since 1910, due to Craco's location on a hill of Pliocene sands overhanging the clays, with ravines causing progressive incisions. Now, Craco is uninhabited. In 1963, the 1,800 inhabitants were transferred to a valley in a locality called Craco Peschiera. That population is now down to about 970 inhabitants.
    Craco/Basilicata/Italy 006.jpg
  • Craco/Basilicata/Italy - oct 10, 2009<br />
Craco is an abandoned Italian village located in the Region of Basilicata and the Province of Matera. During the mid-twentieth century, recurring earthquakes began to take a toll on the viability of the town. Between 1959 and 1972, portions of the village were severely damaged and rendered uninhabitable by a series of frana, or landslides. The geological threat to the town was known to scientists since 1910, due to Craco's location on a hill of Pliocene sands overhanging the clays, with ravines causing progressive incisions. Now, Craco is uninhabited. In 1963, the 1,800 inhabitants were transferred to a valley in a locality called Craco Peschiera. That population is now down to about 970 inhabitants.
    Craco/Basilicata/Italy 001.jpg
  • Craco/Basilicata/Italy - oct 10, 2009<br />
Craco is an abandoned Italian village located in the Region of Basilicata and the Province of Matera. During the mid-twentieth century, recurring earthquakes began to take a toll on the viability of the town. Between 1959 and 1972, portions of the village were severely damaged and rendered uninhabitable by a series of frana, or landslides. The geological threat to the town was known to scientists since 1910, due to Craco's location on a hill of Pliocene sands overhanging the clays, with ravines causing progressive incisions. Now, Craco is uninhabited. In 1963, the 1,800 inhabitants were transferred to a valley in a locality called Craco Peschiera. That population is now down to about 970 inhabitants.
    Craco/Basilicata/Italy 008.jpg
  • Craco/Basilicata/Italy - oct 10, 2009<br />
Craco is an abandoned Italian village located in the Region of Basilicata and the Province of Matera. During the mid-twentieth century, recurring earthquakes began to take a toll on the viability of the town. Between 1959 and 1972, portions of the village were severely damaged and rendered uninhabitable by a series of frana, or landslides. The geological threat to the town was known to scientists since 1910, due to Craco's location on a hill of Pliocene sands overhanging the clays, with ravines causing progressive incisions. Now, Craco is uninhabited. In 1963, the 1,800 inhabitants were transferred to a valley in a locality called Craco Peschiera. That population is now down to about 970 inhabitants.
    Craco/Basilicata/Italy 007.jpg
  • Craco/Basilicata/Italy - oct 10, 2009<br />
Craco is an abandoned Italian village located in the Region of Basilicata and the Province of Matera. During the mid-twentieth century, recurring earthquakes began to take a toll on the viability of the town. Between 1959 and 1972, portions of the village were severely damaged and rendered uninhabitable by a series of frana, or landslides. The geological threat to the town was known to scientists since 1910, due to Craco's location on a hill of Pliocene sands overhanging the clays, with ravines causing progressive incisions. Now, Craco is uninhabited. In 1963, the 1,800 inhabitants were transferred to a valley in a locality called Craco Peschiera. That population is now down to about 970 inhabitants.
    Craco/Basilicata/Italy 005.jpg
  • Craco/Basilicata/Italy - oct 10, 2009<br />
Craco is an abandoned Italian village located in the Region of Basilicata and the Province of Matera. During the mid-twentieth century, recurring earthquakes began to take a toll on the viability of the town. Between 1959 and 1972, portions of the village were severely damaged and rendered uninhabitable by a series of frana, or landslides. The geological threat to the town was known to scientists since 1910, due to Craco's location on a hill of Pliocene sands overhanging the clays, with ravines causing progressive incisions. Now, Craco is uninhabited. In 1963, the 1,800 inhabitants were transferred to a valley in a locality called Craco Peschiera. That population is now down to about 970 inhabitants.
    Craco/Basilicata/Italy 004.jpg
  • Craco/Basilicata/Italy - oct 10, 2009<br />
Craco is an abandoned Italian village located in the Region of Basilicata and the Province of Matera. During the mid-twentieth century, recurring earthquakes began to take a toll on the viability of the town. Between 1959 and 1972, portions of the village were severely damaged and rendered uninhabitable by a series of frana, or landslides. The geological threat to the town was known to scientists since 1910, due to Craco's location on a hill of Pliocene sands overhanging the clays, with ravines causing progressive incisions. Now, Craco is uninhabited. In 1963, the 1,800 inhabitants were transferred to a valley in a locality called Craco Peschiera. That population is now down to about 970 inhabitants.
    Craco/Basilicata/Italy 002.jpg
  • Potenza/Basilicata/Italy 11/03/2008 - Francesco Storace, segretario nazionale del partito La Destra, a Potenza per lanciare la campagna elettorale in Basilicata.
    Storace a Potenza 11-03-08 35.jpg
  • Potenza/Basilicata/Italy 11/03/2008 - Francesco Storace, segretario nazionale del partito La Destra, a Potenza per lanciare la campagna elettorale in Basilicata.
    Storace a Potenza 11-03-08 64.jpg
  • Valsinni/Basilicata/Italy - Valsinni is a village and comune in the province of Matera, in the Basilicata region of southern Italy. The territory of the comune includes the ruins of the ancient city of Lagaria. Its most famous buildings which are part of Valsinni's heritage are: the Castle dating back to the 11th century, where the Italian renaissance poetess Isabella Morra lived and died, the Palazzo Melidoro, Chiesa Madre (mother church) of medieval origins and the Chiesa dell'Annunziata from the sixteen hundreds.
    Valsinni.jpg
  • Colobraro/Basilicata/Italy - olobraro is a town and comune in the province of Matera, in the Southern Italian region of Basilicata.
    Colobraro 2.jpg
  • Potenza/Basilicata/Italy 11/03/2008 - Francesco Storace, segretario nazionale del partito La Destra, a Potenza per lanciare la campagna elettorale in Basilicata.
    Storace a Potenza 11-03-08 66.jpg
  • Potenza/Basilicata/Italy 11/03/2008 - Francesco Storace, segretario nazionale del partito La Destra, a Potenza per lanciare la campagna elettorale in Basilicata.
    Storace a Potenza 11-03-08 24.jpg
  • Laurenzana (PZ) - Basilicata - Italy - Laurenzana is a town and commune in the province of Potenza, in the region of Basilicata (southern Italy). It rises on a spur between the torre Camastro and the wood surrounding the Serrapotamo valley.
    Tempa Rossa - Corleto (PZ) 17-02-09 ...jpg
  • Colobraro/Basilicata/Italy - olobraro is a town and comune in the province of Matera, in the Southern Italian region of Basilicata.
    Colobraro 1.jpg
  • Potenza/Basilicata/Italy 11/03/2008 - Francesco Storace, segretario nazionale del partito La Destra, a Potenza per lanciare la campagna elettorale in Basilicata.
    Storace a Potenza 11-03-08 45.jpg
  • Potenza/Basilicata/Italy 11/03/2008 - Francesco Storace, segretario nazionale del partito La Destra, a Potenza per lanciare la campagna elettorale in Basilicata.
    Storace a Potenza 11-03-08 59.jpg
  • Potenza/Basilicata/Italy 11/03/2008 - Francesco Storace, segretario nazionale del partito La Destra, a Potenza per lanciare la campagna elettorale in Basilicata.
    Storace a Potenza 11-03-08 48.jpg
  • Potenza/Basilicata/Italy 11/03/2008 - Francesco Storace, segretario nazionale del partito La Destra, a Potenza per lanciare la campagna elettorale in Basilicata.
    Storace a Potenza 11-03-08 41.jpg
  • Colobraro/Basilicata/Italy - olobraro is a town and comune in the province of Matera, in the Southern Italian region of Basilicata.
    Colobraro 3.jpg
  • Potenza/Basilicata/Italy 11/03/2008 - Francesco Storace, segretario nazionale del partito La Destra, a Potenza per lanciare la campagna elettorale in Basilicata.
    Storace a Potenza 11-03-08 50.jpg
  • Potenza/Basilicata/Italy 11/03/2008 - Francesco Storace, segretario nazionale del partito La Destra, a Potenza per lanciare la campagna elettorale in Basilicata.
    Storace a Potenza 11-03-08 49.jpg
  • Moliterno, Basilicata, Italy - The castle of Moliterno
    Moliterno 03 raw.jpg
  • Matera/Basilicata/Italy
    Matera 23-02-08 06.jpg
  • Pignola/Basilicata/Italy  17-05-08 - The traditional procession of the "Uglia". For the celebrations for the ?Madonna del Pantano?, a religious procession called ?della Uglia? takes place in the centre of Pignola. A little fabric throne having the shape of a steeple, with a painted image of the Madonna, is taken in procession around the village by a group of young people and followed by a band of locals. The Uglia bearers meet on their way obstacles in the narrow lanes, such as fires of brooms, called ?fanoia?. This tradition probably represents the fight between Good and Evil or maybe it is a way for making the Madonna spend more time in the quarter, so that people can ask for her protection. The Uglia bearers stage several attempts to jump into the flames, taking some Dutch courage in the form of wine. When the flames die out, the procession passes through the embers with a sudden jump and keeps on going until it meets further fires...
    La Uglia - Pignola 17-05-08 118.jpg
  • Castello di Melfi - Basilicata/Italy
    Melfi
  • Basilicata, Italy - The wind energy
    Pale Eoliche 02.jpg
  • Basilicata, Italy - The wind energy
    Pale Eoliche 01.jpg
  • Craco, Basilicata, Italy - The gost town. Craco was abandoned in the 1963 for a landslide.
    Craco (13)-4.jpg
  • Matera/Basilicata/Italy - The Sassi
    Matera-1.jpg
  • Pietrapertosa, Basilicata, Italy - The castle
    Pietrapertosa (PZ) 5.jpg
  • Pietrapertosa, Basilicata, Italy - The castle
    Pietrapertosa (PZ) 1.jpg
  • Basilicata - Cow in a field
    DSC_0012-1.jpg
  • Pignola/Basilicata/Italy  17-05-08 - The traditional procession of the "Uglia". For the celebrations for the ?Madonna del Pantano?, a religious procession called ?della Uglia? takes place in the centre of Pignola. A little fabric throne having the shape of a steeple, with a painted image of the Madonna, is taken in procession around the village by a group of young people and followed by a band of locals. The Uglia bearers meet on their way obstacles in the narrow lanes, such as fires of brooms, called ?fanoia?. This tradition probably represents the fight between Good and Evil or maybe it is a way for making the Madonna spend more time in the quarter, so that people can ask for her protection. The Uglia bearers stage several attempts to jump into the flames, taking some Dutch courage in the form of wine. When the flames die out, the procession passes through the embers with a sudden jump and keeps on going until it meets further fires...
    La Uglia - Pignola 17-05-08 136.jpg
  • Pignola/Basilicata/Italy  17-05-08 - The traditional procession of the "Uglia". For the celebrations for the ?Madonna del Pantano?, a religious procession called ?della Uglia? takes place in the centre of Pignola. A little fabric throne having the shape of a steeple, with a painted image of the Madonna, is taken in procession around the village by a group of young people and followed by a band of locals. The Uglia bearers meet on their way obstacles in the narrow lanes, such as fires of brooms, called ?fanoia?. This tradition probably represents the fight between Good and Evil or maybe it is a way for making the Madonna spend more time in the quarter, so that people can ask for her protection. The Uglia bearers stage several attempts to jump into the flames, taking some Dutch courage in the form of wine. When the flames die out, the procession passes through the embers with a sudden jump and keeps on going until it meets further fires...
    La Uglia - Pignola 17-05-08 125.jpg
  • Monticchio Laghi/Basilicata/Italy - The two volcanic lakes of Monticchio
    Monticchio Laghi (PZ)
  • Rapolla, Basilicata, Italy - Olives
    Oliveti del Vulture 03-6.jpg
  • Barile, Basilicata, Italy - Olive grove and vineyard in the area of the Vulture.
    paesaggi lucani-8.jpg
  • Matera, Basilicata, Italy - The curch of Madonna de Idris
    Matera 4-1.jpg
  • Pietragalla, Basilicata, Italy - The "Palmenti", traditional rural constructions in which is preserved the wine.
    I Palmenti di Pietragalla-1.jpg
  • Castelmezzano, Basilicata, Italy - The Lucan Dolomites
    Dolomiti Lucane 02 raw.jpg
  • Rionero in Vulture, Basilicata, Italy - The church of SS. Sacrament
    Rionero in Vulture
  • Lagopesole, Basilicata, Italy - The Castle of Frederick II of Svevia. He was named "Stupor Mundi", wonder of the world. Frederick was the greatest medioeval Emperor.
    Castello di Lagopesole 5-1.jpg
  • Matera/Basilicata/Italy
    Matera 23-02-08 04.jpg
  • Pignola/Basilicata/Italy  17-05-08 - The traditional procession of the "Uglia". For the celebrations for the ?Madonna del Pantano?, a religious procession called ?della Uglia? takes place in the centre of Pignola. A little fabric throne having the shape of a steeple, with a painted image of the Madonna, is taken in procession around the village by a group of young people and followed by a band of locals. The Uglia bearers meet on their way obstacles in the narrow lanes, such as fires of brooms, called ?fanoia?. This tradition probably represents the fight between Good and Evil or maybe it is a way for making the Madonna spend more time in the quarter, so that people can ask for her protection. The Uglia bearers stage several attempts to jump into the flames, taking some Dutch courage in the form of wine. When the flames die out, the procession passes through the embers with a sudden jump and keeps on going until it meets further fires...
    La Uglia - Pignola 17-05-08 99.jpg
  • Pignola/Basilicata/Italy  17-05-08 - The traditional procession of the "Uglia". For the celebrations for the ?Madonna del Pantano?, a religious procession called ?della Uglia? takes place in the centre of Pignola. A little fabric throne having the shape of a steeple, with a painted image of the Madonna, is taken in procession around the village by a group of young people and followed by a band of locals. The Uglia bearers meet on their way obstacles in the narrow lanes, such as fires of brooms, called ?fanoia?. This tradition probably represents the fight between Good and Evil or maybe it is a way for making the Madonna spend more time in the quarter, so that people can ask for her protection. The Uglia bearers stage several attempts to jump into the flames, taking some Dutch courage in the form of wine. When the flames die out, the procession passes through the embers with a sudden jump and keeps on going until it meets further fires...
    La Uglia - Pignola 17-05-08 58.jpg
  • Pignola/Basilicata/Italy  17-05-08 - The traditional procession of the "Uglia". For the celebrations for the ?Madonna del Pantano?, a religious procession called ?della Uglia? takes place in the centre of Pignola. A little fabric throne having the shape of a steeple, with a painted image of the Madonna, is taken in procession around the village by a group of young people and followed by a band of locals. The Uglia bearers meet on their way obstacles in the narrow lanes, such as fires of brooms, called ?fanoia?. This tradition probably represents the fight between Good and Evil or maybe it is a way for making the Madonna spend more time in the quarter, so that people can ask for her protection. The Uglia bearers stage several attempts to jump into the flames, taking some Dutch courage in the form of wine. When the flames die out, the procession passes through the embers with a sudden jump and keeps on going until it meets further fires...
    La Uglia - Pignola 17-05-08 175.jpg
  • Pignola/Basilicata/Italy  17-05-08 - The traditional procession of the "Uglia". For the celebrations for the ?Madonna del Pantano?, a religious procession called ?della Uglia? takes place in the centre of Pignola. A little fabric throne having the shape of a steeple, with a painted image of the Madonna, is taken in procession around the village by a group of young people and followed by a band of locals. The Uglia bearers meet on their way obstacles in the narrow lanes, such as fires of brooms, called ?fanoia?. This tradition probably represents the fight between Good and Evil or maybe it is a way for making the Madonna spend more time in the quarter, so that people can ask for her protection. The Uglia bearers stage several attempts to jump into the flames, taking some Dutch courage in the form of wine. When the flames die out, the procession passes through the embers with a sudden jump and keeps on going until it meets further fires...
    La Uglia - Pignola 17-05-08 168.jpg
  • Pignola/Basilicata/Italy  17-05-08 - The traditional procession of the "Uglia". For the celebrations for the ?Madonna del Pantano?, a religious procession called ?della Uglia? takes place in the centre of Pignola. A little fabric throne having the shape of a steeple, with a painted image of the Madonna, is taken in procession around the village by a group of young people and followed by a band of locals. The Uglia bearers meet on their way obstacles in the narrow lanes, such as fires of brooms, called ?fanoia?. This tradition probably represents the fight between Good and Evil or maybe it is a way for making the Madonna spend more time in the quarter, so that people can ask for her protection. The Uglia bearers stage several attempts to jump into the flames, taking some Dutch courage in the form of wine. When the flames die out, the procession passes through the embers with a sudden jump and keeps on going until it meets further fires...
    La Uglia - Pignola 17-05-08 15.jpg
  • Pignola/Basilicata/Italy  17-05-08 - The traditional procession of the "Uglia". For the celebrations for the ?Madonna del Pantano?, a religious procession called ?della Uglia? takes place in the centre of Pignola. A little fabric throne having the shape of a steeple, with a painted image of the Madonna, is taken in procession around the village by a group of young people and followed by a band of locals. The Uglia bearers meet on their way obstacles in the narrow lanes, such as fires of brooms, called ?fanoia?. This tradition probably represents the fight between Good and Evil or maybe it is a way for making the Madonna spend more time in the quarter, so that people can ask for her protection. The Uglia bearers stage several attempts to jump into the flames, taking some Dutch courage in the form of wine. When the flames die out, the procession passes through the embers with a sudden jump and keeps on going until it meets further fires...
    La Uglia - Pignola 17-05-08 100.jpg
  • San Mauro Forte, Basilicata, Italy - The church of Annunziata and the Norman Tower
    San Mauro Forte-9.jpg
  • Barile, Basilicata, Italy - The town under the Mount Vulture
    Barile (PZ) - dicembre 2006 01-2.jpg
  • Matera/Basilicata/Italy - The Sassi
    Matera 3-1.jpg
  • Pietrapertosa, Basilicata, Italy - The castle
    Pietrapertosa (PZ) 2.jpg
  • Melfi/Basilicata/Italy - The Castle. The Castle, dominating the whole town. It was probably constructed ex novo by the Normans (11th century), as no traces of pre-existing Byzantine or Lombards edifices have been found. Originally, it was probably a simple rectangle with square towers, with further towers defending the main gate. One of the main internal buildings was later (16th-18th centuries) turned into a baronal palace by enclosing the walls between the towers within new walls. Under the Angevine rule a new section was added one the slope descending to the Melfia stream, with several construction rising at different altitudes. The Castle was chosen by King Charles I's wife, Beatrice of Provence, as her residence. The Aragon kings gave it to the Caracciolo dynasty of the Caracciolo Candida family lineage (descendents of the House of Candia and the Caracciolo House), who rebuilt the side facing the city and dug a moat. Later it was a possession of the powerful House of Doria.
    Melfi (PZ)
  • Rionero in Vulture/Basilicata/Potenza
    Rionero in Vulture (PZ)1.jpg
  • Basilicata, Italy - Olive grove in the area of the Vulture.
    paesaggi lucani-9.jpg
  • Pignola/Basilicata/Italy  17-05-08 - The traditional procession of the "Uglia". For the celebrations for the ?Madonna del Pantano?, a religious procession called ?della Uglia? takes place in the centre of Pignola. A little fabric throne having the shape of a steeple, with a painted image of the Madonna, is taken in procession around the village by a group of young people and followed by a band of locals. The Uglia bearers meet on their way obstacles in the narrow lanes, such as fires of brooms, called ?fanoia?. This tradition probably represents the fight between Good and Evil or maybe it is a way for making the Madonna spend more time in the quarter, so that people can ask for her protection. The Uglia bearers stage several attempts to jump into the flames, taking some Dutch courage in the form of wine. When the flames die out, the procession passes through the embers with a sudden jump and keeps on going until it meets further fires...
    La Uglia - Pignola 17-05-08 93.jpg
  • Pignola/Basilicata/Italy  17-05-08 - The traditional procession of the "Uglia". For the celebrations for the ?Madonna del Pantano?, a religious procession called ?della Uglia? takes place in the centre of Pignola. A little fabric throne having the shape of a steeple, with a painted image of the Madonna, is taken in procession around the village by a group of young people and followed by a band of locals. The Uglia bearers meet on their way obstacles in the narrow lanes, such as fires of brooms, called ?fanoia?. This tradition probably represents the fight between Good and Evil or maybe it is a way for making the Madonna spend more time in the quarter, so that people can ask for her protection. The Uglia bearers stage several attempts to jump into the flames, taking some Dutch courage in the form of wine. When the flames die out, the procession passes through the embers with a sudden jump and keeps on going until it meets further fires...
    La Uglia - Pignola 17-05-08 154.jpg
  • Pignola/Basilicata/Italy  17-05-08 - The traditional procession of the "Uglia". For the celebrations for the ?Madonna del Pantano?, a religious procession called ?della Uglia? takes place in the centre of Pignola. A little fabric throne having the shape of a steeple, with a painted image of the Madonna, is taken in procession around the village by a group of young people and followed by a band of locals. The Uglia bearers meet on their way obstacles in the narrow lanes, such as fires of brooms, called ?fanoia?. This tradition probably represents the fight between Good and Evil or maybe it is a way for making the Madonna spend more time in the quarter, so that people can ask for her protection. The Uglia bearers stage several attempts to jump into the flames, taking some Dutch courage in the form of wine. When the flames die out, the procession passes through the embers with a sudden jump and keeps on going until it meets further fires...
    La Uglia - Pignola 17-05-08 150.jpg
  • Pignola/Basilicata/Italy  17-05-08 - The traditional procession of the "Uglia". For the celebrations for the ?Madonna del Pantano?, a religious procession called ?della Uglia? takes place in the centre of Pignola. A little fabric throne having the shape of a steeple, with a painted image of the Madonna, is taken in procession around the village by a group of young people and followed by a band of locals. The Uglia bearers meet on their way obstacles in the narrow lanes, such as fires of brooms, called ?fanoia?. This tradition probably represents the fight between Good and Evil or maybe it is a way for making the Madonna spend more time in the quarter, so that people can ask for her protection. The Uglia bearers stage several attempts to jump into the flames, taking some Dutch courage in the form of wine. When the flames die out, the procession passes through the embers with a sudden jump and keeps on going until it meets further fires...
    La Uglia - Pignola 17-05-08 111.jpg
  • Pignola/Basilicata/Italy  17-05-08 - The traditional procession of the "Uglia". For the celebrations for the ?Madonna del Pantano?, a religious procession called ?della Uglia? takes place in the centre of Pignola. A little fabric throne having the shape of a steeple, with a painted image of the Madonna, is taken in procession around the village by a group of young people and followed by a band of locals. The Uglia bearers meet on their way obstacles in the narrow lanes, such as fires of brooms, called ?fanoia?. This tradition probably represents the fight between Good and Evil or maybe it is a way for making the Madonna spend more time in the quarter, so that people can ask for her protection. The Uglia bearers stage several attempts to jump into the flames, taking some Dutch courage in the form of wine. When the flames die out, the procession passes through the embers with a sudden jump and keeps on going until it meets further fires...
    La Uglia - Pignola 17-05-08 106.jpg
  • Tolve/Basilicata/Italy
    Tolve (PZ).jpg
  • Barile, Basilicata, Italy - Olive grove in the area of the Vulture.
    paesaggi lucani-7.jpg
  • Rapolla, Basilicata, Italy - The town with the cathedral
    paesaggi lucani-2.jpg
  • Melfi, Basilicata, Italy - Landscape with the castle an town of Melfi (PZ)
    Melfi 06 raw.jpg
  • Forenza, Basilicata, Italy - Landscape
    Forenza.jpg
  • Basilicata, Italy - Te round bale in a field
    Balle Fieno-1.jpg
  • Potenza, Basilicata, Italy - The Stabile Theatre in M. Pagano's square
    Teatro Stabile - Potenza 23-06-05
  • Pignola/Basilicata/Italy  17-05-08 - The traditional procession of the "Uglia". For the celebrations for the ?Madonna del Pantano?, a religious procession called ?della Uglia? takes place in the centre of Pignola. A little fabric throne having the shape of a steeple, with a painted image of the Madonna, is taken in procession around the village by a group of young people and followed by a band of locals. The Uglia bearers meet on their way obstacles in the narrow lanes, such as fires of brooms, called ?fanoia?. This tradition probably represents the fight between Good and Evil or maybe it is a way for making the Madonna spend more time in the quarter, so that people can ask for her protection. The Uglia bearers stage several attempts to jump into the flames, taking some Dutch courage in the form of wine. When the flames die out, the procession passes through the embers with a sudden jump and keeps on going until it meets further fires...
    La Uglia - Pignola 17-05-08 163.jpg
  • Pignola/Basilicata/Italy  17-05-08 - The traditional procession of the "Uglia". For the celebrations for the ?Madonna del Pantano?, a religious procession called ?della Uglia? takes place in the centre of Pignola. A little fabric throne having the shape of a steeple, with a painted image of the Madonna, is taken in procession around the village by a group of young people and followed by a band of locals. The Uglia bearers meet on their way obstacles in the narrow lanes, such as fires of brooms, called ?fanoia?. This tradition probably represents the fight between Good and Evil or maybe it is a way for making the Madonna spend more time in the quarter, so that people can ask for her protection. The Uglia bearers stage several attempts to jump into the flames, taking some Dutch courage in the form of wine. When the flames die out, the procession passes through the embers with a sudden jump and keeps on going until it meets further fires...
    La Uglia - Pignola 17-05-08 148.jpg
  • Pignola/Basilicata/Italy  17-05-08 - The traditional procession of the "Uglia". For the celebrations for the ?Madonna del Pantano?, a religious procession called ?della Uglia? takes place in the centre of Pignola. A little fabric throne having the shape of a steeple, with a painted image of the Madonna, is taken in procession around the village by a group of young people and followed by a band of locals. The Uglia bearers meet on their way obstacles in the narrow lanes, such as fires of brooms, called ?fanoia?. This tradition probably represents the fight between Good and Evil or maybe it is a way for making the Madonna spend more time in the quarter, so that people can ask for her protection. The Uglia bearers stage several attempts to jump into the flames, taking some Dutch courage in the form of wine. When the flames die out, the procession passes through the embers with a sudden jump and keeps on going until it meets further fires...
    La Uglia - Pignola 17-05-08 146.jpg
  • Lagopesole, Basilicata, Italy - The Castle of Frederick II of Svevia. He was named "Stupor Mundi", wonder of the world. Frederick was the greatest medioeval Emperor.
    Castello di Lagopesole 6-1.jpg
  • Matera/Basilicata/Italy
    Matera 23-02-08 01.jpg
  • An ancient ritual of fertility still takes place every year in the Basilicata region. The so-called Maggio, the marriage of the king and queen of the forest, unfolds over a few days every Pentecost in the village of Accettura.<br />
The first act of the ritual, the cutting of the king, takes place about 20km from the village, where an enormous tree is cut down, the top is sawn off and the tree is transported back to the village by oxen. It is accompanied by the men of the village, who stop every few miles to drink, dance, feast and be merry. <br />
<br />
A few days later, the queen is fetched from equally far away and brought to the village, carried on the backs of the men this time, with ceremonial drinking and festivity. <br />
<br />
Once both trees have been brought to the village, the queen, also called the cima or top, is hoisted on top of the truncated king. This union represents the marriage of the two principles of male and female, which gives birth in turn to the new life that springs forth in spring. Until the 1960s, animals used to be hoisted into the top of the trees as sacrifices to the powers of the forest.<br />
<br />
How exactly the locals reconciled this pagan sacrifice with the cult of Saint Julian (to whom the celebration is dedicated) and with the celebration of Pentecost remains a mystery.<br />
<br />
Curiously, these days the super-tree is also used for target practice, while few villagers will admit to attributing any magical powers to the giant totem. The tradition is still practiced, however, as it attracts scholars and tourists, giving the tiny area a place on the map of Italy.
    Maggio di San Giuliano - Accettura 2...jpg
  • An ancient ritual of fertility still takes place every year in the Basilicata region. The so-called Maggio, the marriage of the king and queen of the forest, unfolds over a few days every Pentecost in the village of Accettura.<br />
The first act of the ritual, the cutting of the king, takes place about 20km from the village, where an enormous tree is cut down, the top is sawn off and the tree is transported back to the village by oxen. It is accompanied by the men of the village, who stop every few miles to drink, dance, feast and be merry. <br />
<br />
A few days later, the queen is fetched from equally far away and brought to the village, carried on the backs of the men this time, with ceremonial drinking and festivity. <br />
<br />
Once both trees have been brought to the village, the queen, also called the cima or top, is hoisted on top of the truncated king. This union represents the marriage of the two principles of male and female, which gives birth in turn to the new life that springs forth in spring. Until the 1960s, animals used to be hoisted into the top of the trees as sacrifices to the powers of the forest.<br />
<br />
How exactly the locals reconciled this pagan sacrifice with the cult of Saint Julian (to whom the celebration is dedicated) and with the celebration of Pentecost remains a mystery.<br />
<br />
Curiously, these days the super-tree is also used for target practice, while few villagers will admit to attributing any magical powers to the giant totem. The tradition is still practiced, however, as it attracts scholars and tourists, giving the tiny area a place on the map of Italy.
    Maggio di San Giuliano - Accettura 2...jpg
  • An ancient ritual of fertility still takes place every year in the Basilicata region. The so-called Maggio, the marriage of the king and queen of the forest, unfolds over a few days every Pentecost in the village of Accettura.<br />
The first act of the ritual, the cutting of the king, takes place about 20km from the village, where an enormous tree is cut down, the top is sawn off and the tree is transported back to the village by oxen. It is accompanied by the men of the village, who stop every few miles to drink, dance, feast and be merry. <br />
<br />
A few days later, the queen is fetched from equally far away and brought to the village, carried on the backs of the men this time, with ceremonial drinking and festivity. <br />
<br />
Once both trees have been brought to the village, the queen, also called the cima or top, is hoisted on top of the truncated king. This union represents the marriage of the two principles of male and female, which gives birth in turn to the new life that springs forth in spring. Until the 1960s, animals used to be hoisted into the top of the trees as sacrifices to the powers of the forest.<br />
<br />
How exactly the locals reconciled this pagan sacrifice with the cult of Saint Julian (to whom the celebration is dedicated) and with the celebration of Pentecost remains a mystery.<br />
<br />
Curiously, these days the super-tree is also used for target practice, while few villagers will admit to attributing any magical powers to the giant totem. The tradition is still practiced, however, as it attracts scholars and tourists, giving the tiny area a place on the map of Italy.
    Maggio di San Giuliano - Accettura 2...jpg
  • An ancient ritual of fertility still takes place every year in the Basilicata region. The so-called Maggio, the marriage of the king and queen of the forest, unfolds over a few days every Pentecost in the village of Accettura.<br />
The first act of the ritual, the cutting of the king, takes place about 20km from the village, where an enormous tree is cut down, the top is sawn off and the tree is transported back to the village by oxen. It is accompanied by the men of the village, who stop every few miles to drink, dance, feast and be merry. <br />
<br />
A few days later, the queen is fetched from equally far away and brought to the village, carried on the backs of the men this time, with ceremonial drinking and festivity. <br />
<br />
Once both trees have been brought to the village, the queen, also called the cima or top, is hoisted on top of the truncated king. This union represents the marriage of the two principles of male and female, which gives birth in turn to the new life that springs forth in spring. Until the 1960s, animals used to be hoisted into the top of the trees as sacrifices to the powers of the forest.<br />
<br />
How exactly the locals reconciled this pagan sacrifice with the cult of Saint Julian (to whom the celebration is dedicated) and with the celebration of Pentecost remains a mystery.<br />
<br />
Curiously, these days the super-tree is also used for target practice, while few villagers will admit to attributing any magical powers to the giant totem. The tradition is still practiced, however, as it attracts scholars and tourists, giving the tiny area a place on the map of Italy.
    Maggio di San Giuliano - Accettura 2...jpg
  • Rionero in V./Basilicata/Italy - Rava & Bollani in concert in Vulcanica Live Festival 2008
    Vulcanica 2008 506.jpg
  • Rionero in V./Basilicata/Italy - Rava & Bollani in concert in Vulcanica Live Festival 2008
    Vulcanica 2008 580.jpg
  • Rionero in V./Basilicata/Italy - Rava & Bollani in concert in Vulcanica Live Festival 2008
    Vulcanica 2008 495.jpg
  • An ancient ritual of fertility still takes place every year in the Basilicata region. The so-called Maggio, the marriage of the king and queen of the forest, unfolds over a few days every Pentecost in the village of Accettura.<br />
The first act of the ritual, the cutting of the king, takes place about 20km from the village, where an enormous tree is cut down, the top is sawn off and the tree is transported back to the village by oxen. It is accompanied by the men of the village, who stop every few miles to drink, dance, feast and be merry. <br />
<br />
A few days later, the queen is fetched from equally far away and brought to the village, carried on the backs of the men this time, with ceremonial drinking and festivity. <br />
<br />
Once both trees have been brought to the village, the queen, also called the cima or top, is hoisted on top of the truncated king. This union represents the marriage of the two principles of male and female, which gives birth in turn to the new life that springs forth in spring. Until the 1960s, animals used to be hoisted into the top of the trees as sacrifices to the powers of the forest.<br />
<br />
How exactly the locals reconciled this pagan sacrifice with the cult of Saint Julian (to whom the celebration is dedicated) and with the celebration of Pentecost remains a mystery.<br />
<br />
Curiously, these days the super-tree is also used for target practice, while few villagers will admit to attributing any magical powers to the giant totem. The tradition is still practiced, however, as it attracts scholars and tourists, giving the tiny area a place on the map of Italy.
    Maggio di San Giuliano - Accettura 2...jpg
  • An ancient ritual of fertility still takes place every year in the Basilicata region. The so-called Maggio, the marriage of the king and queen of the forest, unfolds over a few days every Pentecost in the village of Accettura.<br />
The first act of the ritual, the cutting of the king, takes place about 20km from the village, where an enormous tree is cut down, the top is sawn off and the tree is transported back to the village by oxen. It is accompanied by the men of the village, who stop every few miles to drink, dance, feast and be merry. <br />
<br />
A few days later, the queen is fetched from equally far away and brought to the village, carried on the backs of the men this time, with ceremonial drinking and festivity. <br />
<br />
Once both trees have been brought to the village, the queen, also called the cima or top, is hoisted on top of the truncated king. This union represents the marriage of the two principles of male and female, which gives birth in turn to the new life that springs forth in spring. Until the 1960s, animals used to be hoisted into the top of the trees as sacrifices to the powers of the forest.<br />
<br />
How exactly the locals reconciled this pagan sacrifice with the cult of Saint Julian (to whom the celebration is dedicated) and with the celebration of Pentecost remains a mystery.<br />
<br />
Curiously, these days the super-tree is also used for target practice, while few villagers will admit to attributing any magical powers to the giant totem. The tradition is still practiced, however, as it attracts scholars and tourists, giving the tiny area a place on the map of Italy.
    Maggio di San Giuliano - Accettura 2...jpg
  • An ancient ritual of fertility still takes place every year in the Basilicata region. The so-called Maggio, the marriage of the king and queen of the forest, unfolds over a few days every Pentecost in the village of Accettura.<br />
The first act of the ritual, the cutting of the king, takes place about 20km from the village, where an enormous tree is cut down, the top is sawn off and the tree is transported back to the village by oxen. It is accompanied by the men of the village, who stop every few miles to drink, dance, feast and be merry. <br />
<br />
A few days later, the queen is fetched from equally far away and brought to the village, carried on the backs of the men this time, with ceremonial drinking and festivity. <br />
<br />
Once both trees have been brought to the village, the queen, also called the cima or top, is hoisted on top of the truncated king. This union represents the marriage of the two principles of male and female, which gives birth in turn to the new life that springs forth in spring. Until the 1960s, animals used to be hoisted into the top of the trees as sacrifices to the powers of the forest.<br />
<br />
How exactly the locals reconciled this pagan sacrifice with the cult of Saint Julian (to whom the celebration is dedicated) and with the celebration of Pentecost remains a mystery.<br />
<br />
Curiously, these days the super-tree is also used for target practice, while few villagers will admit to attributing any magical powers to the giant totem. The tradition is still practiced, however, as it attracts scholars and tourists, giving the tiny area a place on the map of Italy.
    Maggio di San Giuliano - Accettura 2...jpg
  • An ancient ritual of fertility still takes place every year in the Basilicata region. The so-called Maggio, the marriage of the king and queen of the forest, unfolds over a few days every Pentecost in the village of Accettura.<br />
The first act of the ritual, the cutting of the king, takes place about 20km from the village, where an enormous tree is cut down, the top is sawn off and the tree is transported back to the village by oxen. It is accompanied by the men of the village, who stop every few miles to drink, dance, feast and be merry. <br />
<br />
A few days later, the queen is fetched from equally far away and brought to the village, carried on the backs of the men this time, with ceremonial drinking and festivity. <br />
<br />
Once both trees have been brought to the village, the queen, also called the cima or top, is hoisted on top of the truncated king. This union represents the marriage of the two principles of male and female, which gives birth in turn to the new life that springs forth in spring. Until the 1960s, animals used to be hoisted into the top of the trees as sacrifices to the powers of the forest.<br />
<br />
How exactly the locals reconciled this pagan sacrifice with the cult of Saint Julian (to whom the celebration is dedicated) and with the celebration of Pentecost remains a mystery.<br />
<br />
Curiously, these days the super-tree is also used for target practice, while few villagers will admit to attributing any magical powers to the giant totem. The tradition is still practiced, however, as it attracts scholars and tourists, giving the tiny area a place on the map of Italy.
    Maggio di San Giuliano - Accettura 2...jpg
  • An ancient ritual of fertility still takes place every year in the Basilicata region. The so-called Maggio, the marriage of the king and queen of the forest, unfolds over a few days every Pentecost in the village of Accettura.<br />
The first act of the ritual, the cutting of the king, takes place about 20km from the village, where an enormous tree is cut down, the top is sawn off and the tree is transported back to the village by oxen. It is accompanied by the men of the village, who stop every few miles to drink, dance, feast and be merry. <br />
<br />
A few days later, the queen is fetched from equally far away and brought to the village, carried on the backs of the men this time, with ceremonial drinking and festivity. <br />
<br />
Once both trees have been brought to the village, the queen, also called the cima or top, is hoisted on top of the truncated king. This union represents the marriage of the two principles of male and female, which gives birth in turn to the new life that springs forth in spring. Until the 1960s, animals used to be hoisted into the top of the trees as sacrifices to the powers of the forest.<br />
<br />
How exactly the locals reconciled this pagan sacrifice with the cult of Saint Julian (to whom the celebration is dedicated) and with the celebration of Pentecost remains a mystery.<br />
<br />
Curiously, these days the super-tree is also used for target practice, while few villagers will admit to attributing any magical powers to the giant totem. The tradition is still practiced, however, as it attracts scholars and tourists, giving the tiny area a place on the map of Italy.
    Maggio di San Giuliano - Accettura 2...jpg
  • An ancient ritual of fertility still takes place every year in the Basilicata region. The so-called Maggio, the marriage of the king and queen of the forest, unfolds over a few days every Pentecost in the village of Accettura.<br />
The first act of the ritual, the cutting of the king, takes place about 20km from the village, where an enormous tree is cut down, the top is sawn off and the tree is transported back to the village by oxen. It is accompanied by the men of the village, who stop every few miles to drink, dance, feast and be merry. <br />
<br />
A few days later, the queen is fetched from equally far away and brought to the village, carried on the backs of the men this time, with ceremonial drinking and festivity. <br />
<br />
Once both trees have been brought to the village, the queen, also called the cima or top, is hoisted on top of the truncated king. This union represents the marriage of the two principles of male and female, which gives birth in turn to the new life that springs forth in spring. Until the 1960s, animals used to be hoisted into the top of the trees as sacrifices to the powers of the forest.<br />
<br />
How exactly the locals reconciled this pagan sacrifice with the cult of Saint Julian (to whom the celebration is dedicated) and with the celebration of Pentecost remains a mystery.<br />
<br />
Curiously, these days the super-tree is also used for target practice, while few villagers will admit to attributing any magical powers to the giant totem. The tradition is still practiced, however, as it attracts scholars and tourists, giving the tiny area a place on the map of Italy.
    Maggio di San Giuliano - Accettura 2...jpg
  • An ancient ritual of fertility still takes place every year in the Basilicata region. The so-called Maggio, the marriage of the king and queen of the forest, unfolds over a few days every Pentecost in the village of Accettura.<br />
The first act of the ritual, the cutting of the king, takes place about 20km from the village, where an enormous tree is cut down, the top is sawn off and the tree is transported back to the village by oxen. It is accompanied by the men of the village, who stop every few miles to drink, dance, feast and be merry. <br />
<br />
A few days later, the queen is fetched from equally far away and brought to the village, carried on the backs of the men this time, with ceremonial drinking and festivity. <br />
<br />
Once both trees have been brought to the village, the queen, also called the cima or top, is hoisted on top of the truncated king. This union represents the marriage of the two principles of male and female, which gives birth in turn to the new life that springs forth in spring. Until the 1960s, animals used to be hoisted into the top of the trees as sacrifices to the powers of the forest.<br />
<br />
How exactly the locals reconciled this pagan sacrifice with the cult of Saint Julian (to whom the celebration is dedicated) and with the celebration of Pentecost remains a mystery.<br />
<br />
Curiously, these days the super-tree is also used for target practice, while few villagers will admit to attributing any magical powers to the giant totem. The tradition is still practiced, however, as it attracts scholars and tourists, giving the tiny area a place on the map of Italy.
    Maggio di San Giuliano - Accettura 2...jpg
  • An ancient ritual of fertility still takes place every year in the Basilicata region. The so-called Maggio, the marriage of the king and queen of the forest, unfolds over a few days every Pentecost in the village of Accettura.<br />
The first act of the ritual, the cutting of the king, takes place about 20km from the village, where an enormous tree is cut down, the top is sawn off and the tree is transported back to the village by oxen. It is accompanied by the men of the village, who stop every few miles to drink, dance, feast and be merry. <br />
<br />
A few days later, the queen is fetched from equally far away and brought to the village, carried on the backs of the men this time, with ceremonial drinking and festivity. <br />
<br />
Once both trees have been brought to the village, the queen, also called the cima or top, is hoisted on top of the truncated king. This union represents the marriage of the two principles of male and female, which gives birth in turn to the new life that springs forth in spring. Until the 1960s, animals used to be hoisted into the top of the trees as sacrifices to the powers of the forest.<br />
<br />
How exactly the locals reconciled this pagan sacrifice with the cult of Saint Julian (to whom the celebration is dedicated) and with the celebration of Pentecost remains a mystery.<br />
<br />
Curiously, these days the super-tree is also used for target practice, while few villagers will admit to attributing any magical powers to the giant totem. The tradition is still practiced, however, as it attracts scholars and tourists, giving the tiny area a place on the map of Italy.
    Maggio di San Giuliano - Accettura 2...jpg
  • An ancient ritual of fertility still takes place every year in the Basilicata region. The so-called Maggio, the marriage of the king and queen of the forest, unfolds over a few days every Pentecost in the village of Accettura.<br />
The first act of the ritual, the cutting of the king, takes place about 20km from the village, where an enormous tree is cut down, the top is sawn off and the tree is transported back to the village by oxen. It is accompanied by the men of the village, who stop every few miles to drink, dance, feast and be merry. <br />
<br />
A few days later, the queen is fetched from equally far away and brought to the village, carried on the backs of the men this time, with ceremonial drinking and festivity. <br />
<br />
Once both trees have been brought to the village, the queen, also called the cima or top, is hoisted on top of the truncated king. This union represents the marriage of the two principles of male and female, which gives birth in turn to the new life that springs forth in spring. Until the 1960s, animals used to be hoisted into the top of the trees as sacrifices to the powers of the forest.<br />
<br />
How exactly the locals reconciled this pagan sacrifice with the cult of Saint Julian (to whom the celebration is dedicated) and with the celebration of Pentecost remains a mystery.<br />
<br />
Curiously, these days the super-tree is also used for target practice, while few villagers will admit to attributing any magical powers to the giant totem. The tradition is still practiced, however, as it attracts scholars and tourists, giving the tiny area a place on the map of Italy.
    Maggio di San Giuliano - Accettura 2...jpg
  • An ancient ritual of fertility still takes place every year in the Basilicata region. The so-called Maggio, the marriage of the king and queen of the forest, unfolds over a few days every Pentecost in the village of Accettura.<br />
The first act of the ritual, the cutting of the king, takes place about 20km from the village, where an enormous tree is cut down, the top is sawn off and the tree is transported back to the village by oxen. It is accompanied by the men of the village, who stop every few miles to drink, dance, feast and be merry. <br />
<br />
A few days later, the queen is fetched from equally far away and brought to the village, carried on the backs of the men this time, with ceremonial drinking and festivity. <br />
<br />
Once both trees have been brought to the village, the queen, also called the cima or top, is hoisted on top of the truncated king. This union represents the marriage of the two principles of male and female, which gives birth in turn to the new life that springs forth in spring. Until the 1960s, animals used to be hoisted into the top of the trees as sacrifices to the powers of the forest.<br />
<br />
How exactly the locals reconciled this pagan sacrifice with the cult of Saint Julian (to whom the celebration is dedicated) and with the celebration of Pentecost remains a mystery.<br />
<br />
Curiously, these days the super-tree is also used for target practice, while few villagers will admit to attributing any magical powers to the giant totem. The tradition is still practiced, however, as it attracts scholars and tourists, giving the tiny area a place on the map of Italy.
    Maggio di San Giuliano - Accettura 2...jpg
  • An ancient ritual of fertility still takes place every year in the Basilicata region. The so-called Maggio, the marriage of the king and queen of the forest, unfolds over a few days every Pentecost in the village of Accettura.<br />
The first act of the ritual, the cutting of the king, takes place about 20km from the village, where an enormous tree is cut down, the top is sawn off and the tree is transported back to the village by oxen. It is accompanied by the men of the village, who stop every few miles to drink, dance, feast and be merry. <br />
<br />
A few days later, the queen is fetched from equally far away and brought to the village, carried on the backs of the men this time, with ceremonial drinking and festivity. <br />
<br />
Once both trees have been brought to the village, the queen, also called the cima or top, is hoisted on top of the truncated king. This union represents the marriage of the two principles of male and female, which gives birth in turn to the new life that springs forth in spring. Until the 1960s, animals used to be hoisted into the top of the trees as sacrifices to the powers of the forest.<br />
<br />
How exactly the locals reconciled this pagan sacrifice with the cult of Saint Julian (to whom the celebration is dedicated) and with the celebration of Pentecost remains a mystery.<br />
<br />
Curiously, these days the super-tree is also used for target practice, while few villagers will admit to attributing any magical powers to the giant totem. The tradition is still practiced, however, as it attracts scholars and tourists, giving the tiny area a place on the map of Italy.
    Maggio di San Giuliano - Accettura 2...jpg
  • An ancient ritual of fertility still takes place every year in the Basilicata region. The so-called Maggio, the marriage of the king and queen of the forest, unfolds over a few days every Pentecost in the village of Accettura.<br />
The first act of the ritual, the cutting of the king, takes place about 20km from the village, where an enormous tree is cut down, the top is sawn off and the tree is transported back to the village by oxen. It is accompanied by the men of the village, who stop every few miles to drink, dance, feast and be merry. <br />
<br />
A few days later, the queen is fetched from equally far away and brought to the village, carried on the backs of the men this time, with ceremonial drinking and festivity. <br />
<br />
Once both trees have been brought to the village, the queen, also called the cima or top, is hoisted on top of the truncated king. This union represents the marriage of the two principles of male and female, which gives birth in turn to the new life that springs forth in spring. Until the 1960s, animals used to be hoisted into the top of the trees as sacrifices to the powers of the forest.<br />
<br />
How exactly the locals reconciled this pagan sacrifice with the cult of Saint Julian (to whom the celebration is dedicated) and with the celebration of Pentecost remains a mystery.<br />
<br />
Curiously, these days the super-tree is also used for target practice, while few villagers will admit to attributing any magical powers to the giant totem. The tradition is still practiced, however, as it attracts scholars and tourists, giving the tiny area a place on the map of Italy.
    Maggio di San Giuliano - Accettura 2...jpg
  • An ancient ritual of fertility still takes place every year in the Basilicata region. The so-called Maggio, the marriage of the king and queen of the forest, unfolds over a few days every Pentecost in the village of Accettura.<br />
The first act of the ritual, the cutting of the king, takes place about 20km from the village, where an enormous tree is cut down, the top is sawn off and the tree is transported back to the village by oxen. It is accompanied by the men of the village, who stop every few miles to drink, dance, feast and be merry. <br />
<br />
A few days later, the queen is fetched from equally far away and brought to the village, carried on the backs of the men this time, with ceremonial drinking and festivity. <br />
<br />
Once both trees have been brought to the village, the queen, also called the cima or top, is hoisted on top of the truncated king. This union represents the marriage of the two principles of male and female, which gives birth in turn to the new life that springs forth in spring. Until the 1960s, animals used to be hoisted into the top of the trees as sacrifices to the powers of the forest.<br />
<br />
How exactly the locals reconciled this pagan sacrifice with the cult of Saint Julian (to whom the celebration is dedicated) and with the celebration of Pentecost remains a mystery.<br />
<br />
Curiously, these days the super-tree is also used for target practice, while few villagers will admit to attributing any magical powers to the giant totem. The tradition is still practiced, however, as it attracts scholars and tourists, giving the tiny area a place on the map of Italy.
    Maggio di San Giuliano - Accettura 2...jpg
  • An ancient ritual of fertility still takes place every year in the Basilicata region. The so-called Maggio, the marriage of the king and queen of the forest, unfolds over a few days every Pentecost in the village of Accettura.<br />
The first act of the ritual, the cutting of the king, takes place about 20km from the village, where an enormous tree is cut down, the top is sawn off and the tree is transported back to the village by oxen. It is accompanied by the men of the village, who stop every few miles to drink, dance, feast and be merry. <br />
<br />
A few days later, the queen is fetched from equally far away and brought to the village, carried on the backs of the men this time, with ceremonial drinking and festivity. <br />
<br />
Once both trees have been brought to the village, the queen, also called the cima or top, is hoisted on top of the truncated king. This union represents the marriage of the two principles of male and female, which gives birth in turn to the new life that springs forth in spring. Until the 1960s, animals used to be hoisted into the top of the trees as sacrifices to the powers of the forest.<br />
<br />
How exactly the locals reconciled this pagan sacrifice with the cult of Saint Julian (to whom the celebration is dedicated) and with the celebration of Pentecost remains a mystery.<br />
<br />
Curiously, these days the super-tree is also used for target practice, while few villagers will admit to attributing any magical powers to the giant totem. The tradition is still practiced, however, as it attracts scholars and tourists, giving the tiny area a place on the map of Italy.
    Maggio di San Giuliano - Accettura 2...jpg
  • An ancient ritual of fertility still takes place every year in the Basilicata region. The so-called Maggio, the marriage of the king and queen of the forest, unfolds over a few days every Pentecost in the village of Accettura.<br />
The first act of the ritual, the cutting of the king, takes place about 20km from the village, where an enormous tree is cut down, the top is sawn off and the tree is transported back to the village by oxen. It is accompanied by the men of the village, who stop every few miles to drink, dance, feast and be merry. <br />
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A few days later, the queen is fetched from equally far away and brought to the village, carried on the backs of the men this time, with ceremonial drinking and festivity. <br />
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Once both trees have been brought to the village, the queen, also called the cima or top, is hoisted on top of the truncated king. This union represents the marriage of the two principles of male and female, which gives birth in turn to the new life that springs forth in spring. Until the 1960s, animals used to be hoisted into the top of the trees as sacrifices to the powers of the forest.<br />
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How exactly the locals reconciled this pagan sacrifice with the cult of Saint Julian (to whom the celebration is dedicated) and with the celebration of Pentecost remains a mystery.<br />
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Curiously, these days the super-tree is also used for target practice, while few villagers will admit to attributing any magical powers to the giant totem. The tradition is still practiced, however, as it attracts scholars and tourists, giving the tiny area a place on the map of Italy.
    Maggio di San Giuliano - Accettura 2...jpg
  • Potenza/Basilicata/Italy 27-03-08 - Pier Ferdinando Casini - Leader UDC
    Pier Ferdinando Casini 06.jpg
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