Cervicati
Culture and traditions
Isabella Beccari, born in the XV century, daughter of Ruggero II and wife of Pietro Barile, was the first Italian noblewoman to write a book of culinary recipes, the "Libro di cucina," which is now preserved at the Vatican Apostolic Library.
Cervicati is a village of Arbëreshë tradition, that is, of Albanian origin. The Arbëreshë community of Cervicati has been present for at least 600 years, and even today, the customs and traditions of Albanian culture are preserved in the village.
In particular, in Cervicati, the feast in honor of patron saint San Nicola, celebrated every year on December 6th, is one of the most important in the village. During the feast, processions take place, fires are lit, and traditional Arbëreshë dance performances called "ballu turchinu" are held.
The language spoken in Cervicati is Arbëreshë, a variety of the Albanian language that developed in Italy.
Economy
The economy of Cervicati is based mainly on agriculture. The landscape of the surrounding area is made up mostly of land cultivated with cereals, olive groves, and vineyards.
In particular, the olive oil produced in Cervicati is of particularly high quality thanks to the climate and soil particularly favorable to the cultivation of the olive tree.
Monuments and places of interest
Among the churches of Cervicati, the most important is undoubtedly the Church of San Nicola, built in the eighteenth century on a pre-existing structure.
The church contains a large number of works of art, including a polychrome wooden statue of San Nicola dating back to the eighteenth century and precious frescoes by the Neapolitan painter Nicola Malinconico.
Prossedi (in Arbëreshë Prusidi or Prossidi) is a neighborhood of Cervicati. Here you can find the church of Sant'Antonio Abate, built in the eighteenth century on the pre-existing chapel of the Madonna of Monserrato.
Conclusions
Cervicati is a village that still preserves its Arbëreshë traditions and culture today. A place of ancient charm, nestled in the Crati valley, where history blends with the natural beauty of the territory and the goodness of local gastronomic delicacies.
