Elderly woman dons antiquated attire, now drawing tourist interest
Last Resident of Scanno Preserves Traditional Clothing
In the heart of Italy, nestled amidst the verdant Apennine Mountains, lies the quaint village of Scanno. With its cobblestone streets and old stone houses, it's a place steeped in history and tradition. Margherita Ciarletta, a 94-year-old woman, is the last resident of Scanno to wear the centuries-old traditional clothing every day.
Born and raised in this picturesque village, Ciarletta spent her youth tending sheep, collecting firewood, sowing seeds, and tending crops. Her days were filled with the rhythm of rural life, and her wardrobe reflected this, consisting of the somber, everyday dress for fieldwork and chores, and a more elaborate, embroidered costume worn on Sundays and during festivals.
Ciarletta has witnessed the depopulation of Scanno, with the resident count decreasing from over 4,000 in the 1920s to about 1,600 today. Despite the changes, she has remained a steadfast presence, living in the same stone house since 1950.
Her traditional attire, a symbol of Scanno's rich cultural heritage, has made her a popular figure among tourists. Visitors flock to Scanno to meet 'Nonna Margherita' or 'L'Ultima Regina' (The Last Queen), as she is affectionately known, and take selfies with her. However, Ciarletta has chased away day-trippers who wandered into her open doorway.
Ciarletta's husband did not approve of her wearing traditional clothing, but she continued to do so regardless. Today, she wears several versions of the traditional everyday attire each week, some black and others dark blue with white colors.
Ciarletta enjoys modern conveniences and the more comfortable life that progress has brought her. She has given up her old daily routine of visiting the local bar for a morning espresso. Yet, she misses the deep sense of community and deeply rooted neighborhood ties from her youth.
Local officials, led by the local cultural association of Scanno, are lobbying to have Scanno's traditional costumes recognised by UNESCO as examples of intangible cultural heritage. This recognition would not only preserve the traditional clothing but also ensure that its history and significance are passed on to future generations.
Ciarletta, despite her fame, remains humble and expresses gratitude for the people who look after her. She continues to cook local specialties like handmade sfoglia pasta and gnocchi with turnip greens when her grandchildren visit. Yet, she finds it annoying when tourists are too many.
Despite turning away television crews, Ciarletta speaks in standard Italian, not the local dialect. This is a testament to her adaptability and resilience, qualities that have been honed by her long life in Scanno.
As the last resident of Scanno to wear traditional clothing every day, Ciarletta is a living link to the village's past. Her story is a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.
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