Casarsa: I've been living here for over ten years and I have to admit, that apart from the wines I had seen advertised, before I moved here I did not know much about it; I certainly knew that it was where Pasolini came from, but that did not make it a special place for me.

Then I found out that Casarsa, for one reason or another, is linked to many people, not least the writer Roberto Saviano, who dedicates some space to this town in his famous book, ”Gomorra”. And many people must know of it through the “Wine Festival”, now at its 69th edition.

There are many ways to enjoy this festival, which fills the streets and kiosks with innumerable visitors each year: you can cross the centre following the crowd as it flows around the attractions of the funfair, or chat until late in the marquees and the spaces laid out in the wine cellar, tasting local dishes like frico and polenta, gnocchi, grilled meat or salami with vinegar. You can sing to the notes of the performances that every year fill the air and the square with their music, or take part in the athletics competitions, or stop to look at street artists with your children.

Over time, I have learned that the Festival is best discovered slowly, just like Casarsa itself: every year, I take a different approach. Younger people see it as something halfway between an amusement park and a disco, while young parents take the first photos of their little ones on the rides, while everyone lets themselves go when it comes to looking around the curiosities of the varied market.

And those who like art find some things ready to satisfy them too: this year Beppo Zuccheri is exhibiting his “Hermetic Scratches”, Palazzo Burovich is hosting the canvases of Nada Moretto, while in the garden of the palazzo you can admire some beautiful installations of land art and creations by artists who work with wood.

Ans all of it while enjoying a good glass of wine.