Cuturella
Getting to know Cuturella di Cropani
Cuturella di Cropani is a hamlet located in the municipality of Cropani, in the province of Catanzaro. Its population counts 409 residents and it is approximately 10 km away from Cropani. The village is situated near the Crocchio river, between Cropani, Andali and Cerva. The origins of Cuturella di Cropani date back to 1448 and it was once known as "S. Angelo." The village remained isolated from the neighboring towns until the second half of the 1970s, due to the lack of asphalted connecting roads.
The Church of San Michele
Inside the historic center is the only parish in the village, the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, purchased in the early 19th century. The side altar houses the statue of Madonna del Rosario, made in the 1950s. In 1988, the parish passed from the Archdiocese of Crotone-Santa Severina to that of Archdiocese of Catanzaro-Squillace. In the same year, thanks to the donations of the citizens and the initiative of the new parish priest, the church was restored.
Festivals and traditions
The feast of Santa Barbara, which takes place every year on the first Sunday of September, is highly valued by the population. The morning starts with the procession of the Saint through the streets of the village, and in the evening a concert with musical bands and a fireworks show is held. However, the main festival is that of May 8, dedicated to the patron Saint Archangel Michael. After the procession through the streets of the village and associated rituals, a concert with musical bands and fireworks shows is usually organized in the evening. This religious event is very important for the community and represents a strong moment of popular piety.
A curiosity about Cuturella di Cropani
In March 2010, on the occasion of the Italian regional elections of 2010, all 375 eligible voters handed in their voter registration card, abstaining from voting. This form of collective protest, organized through a spontaneous committee, aimed to sensitize the political class about the precarious conditions of the road network. In general, the institutional abandonment that is leading to a gradual depopulation of small villages is under attack.
In conclusion, Cuturella di Cropani is a historic village located in the province of Catanzaro, with a strong religious tradition and a population of approximately 409 residents. The Church of San Michele Arcangelo, the patron Saint Archangel Michael, and the feast of Santa Barbara are cultural elements highly valued by the community. The collective protest of the 2010s highlighted the difficulties that small villages are facing due to institutional abandonment.
