Three days of engaging encounters saw the Mesoraca community in the co-design workshops.

In the evocative setting of the House of Culture, after a brief introduction to the Italea project, we created a unique experience. A large white sheet in the centre of the room welcomed citizens, inviting them to share their stories, places and memories related to the history of migration in Mesoraca. Thanks to everyone’s active contribution, we created a map full of moving stories.

Touching stories emerged related to Swiss emigration and memories of the cartons of chocolate and cigarettes that awaited adults and children when the migrant buses returned. We also reflected on the figures of the ‘white widows’, courageous women left alone by their husbands who had emigrated abroad, forced to take on the role of sole breadwinners.

The journey of the roots, after an intense immersion in the ecosystem in the Vergari Park, saw its final stage in the talk meeting inside the SS. Ecce-Homo in Mesoraca, during which operators and cultural planners met and debated with the aim of making the most of the material and intangible heritage through Roots Tourism.

An engaging journey of stories, interweaving and nature, rooted in the territory and traditions of the community. Local identity becomes an added value for travellers, who immerse themselves in the authentic experiences offered by the community. Stories of women and men who have become protagonists of positive change in the area, showing their passion and willingness to valorise local resources such as gullies and salt crystals through authentic tourism experiences.

We also heard the story of Niccolò, a young star of the new generation, who stands out for his sensitivity and determination to raise awareness through the ‘Clean Woods’ project.

Raising awareness means looking ahead and joining forces to give meaning to the concept of ‘networking’, as demonstrated by the ‘Ambassadors of Calabria’ project, which focuses on the Vergari Nature Reserve, an authentic protected treasure in the heart of the Marquisate.

The day ended with a moving performance by Daniel Cundari and Daniele Fabio, who with poetry and music brought to life for the audience the stories of the past and our identifying elements, such as bread, giving confidence to the future we are building today.