Hello dear friends,
It is with great pleasure that I return to post about the villages of Tuscany. I can't hide it, I have a soft spot for this region because wherever I go, I always find something creative. In fact, before Halloween, I was in Tuscany for personal errands, and I passed by this beautiful village called Palazzuolo sul Senio, located in the upper Mugello, right in the heart of the Apennines. In reality, we're almost at the border with another region, Emilia Romagna.
On the day I visited this place and took my usual stroll through the streets of this enchanting village, I was struck by the residents' dedication to decorating the entire town with pumpkins. It's interesting to note that Halloween is not as deeply rooted in Tuscany, nor in Italy in general. However, during my walk, I had the opportunity to meet a kind lady who explained that, for the first time this year, they decided to adorn the town with these pumpkins because they had grown numerous throughout the year, and it's something they produce here.
Naturally, this village, like others I've shown you, is part of the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy" association, and there are numerous outdoor activities to enjoy in the surrounding area, such as hiking, trekking, and mountain biking. Besides being famous for pumpkin production, this place is also renowned for chestnuts and porcini mushrooms, two products I love, but unfortunately, I didn't visit during the festival that takes place in November.
I want to express my constant admiration for the characteristics of these places, primarily represented by the charming stone houses. These dwellings exude an atmosphere of authentic warmth and hospitality, in stark contrast to modern constructions, which, in my opinion, often come across as cold and lacking personality.
Another remarkable aspect I noticed in these villages is the tradition of carving pumpkins, a practice that adds further charm and magic to the surrounding environment. In the evening, as the lights dim, these carved pumpkins are illuminated from within by candles, creating a picturesque and enchanting atmosphere throughout the village.
Fortunately, the lady was very kind and gave me a pot of mushrooms that you saw displayed on a street. I don't know how to explain it, but the people in these small towns are always so kind, even to strangers, probably because they still have ideals and know what hospitality towards others means.
In conclusion, despite observing a smaller presence of historical elements compared to some other villages, I found it particularly commendable that they creatively decorated the town for Halloween, adding a touch of originality and creativity that further elevated the beauty of this place.
This creative and festive touch added an element of magic and joy to the environment, demonstrating how it's possible to blend tradition and innovation in a way that makes this village unique and extraordinary.
Thank you all for the support you give me every day. See you soon in my next post!