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In the heart of the Pollino National Park, the Arbëreshë village of Frascineto has revived one of the most distinctive aspects of its tradition: the Easter Vallje, ancient ritual dances that represent one of the most authentic symbols of Arbëreshë culture in Calabria.
The Vallje are much more than a simple folkloric event. They are a ritual associated with the Arbëreshë Easter, passed down through the generations by the communities of Albanian origin who have lived in these areas since the 15th century. Through songs and dances performed in circles or in long lines that wind through the village streets, the community symbolically celebrates freedom, rebirth and a sense of belonging to its own history.
The participants wear traditional Arbëreshë costumes, rich in detail and colour, while the music accompanies the ritual movements that have brought the village’s squares and alleyways to life for centuries. The Vallje represent a moment of strong collective participation, capable of engaging both residents and visitors in an experience that brings together culture, memory and identity.
The event also involves Eianina, a hamlet of Frascineto, which, together with the village centre, helps to bring the story of Arbëreshë traditions even more to life. In these places, set amidst a stunning natural landscape, it is possible to discover a community that continues to preserve its language, religious rituals and cultural expressions, passed down over the centuries.
In addition to the cultural aspect, the day also offers the opportunity to discover the flavours of the region, with initiatives focusing on wild mountain products, such as wild asparagus, a symbol of spring in the Pollino area. A simple yet precious ingredient that reflects the deep bond between the local community and the natural landscape that surrounds it.
87010 Frascineto CS, Italia
