Pozzolengo Celebrates Class Reunions, Alpine Generosity and New Pro Loco
Pozzolengo. Autumn weather, time for “Class” celebrations. It has long been customary in Pozzolengo, when autumn approaches with its mists and first fogs, to organize a festive day to gather those born in a particular year; what people colloquially call “Class Festivals.” Recently, those from the class of 1966 gathered to celebrate their 35th birthday. There were about thirty of them, evenly split between men and women; nothing extraordinary, a Mass, a light refreshment, and finally lunch at the Agriturismo “La Fattoria,” where amid courses and merriment they reminisced about their early youth, ending with a farewell until next year for another day together.
The Generosity of the Alpini
Silvio Stefanoni Pozzolengo. It’s still them, the Alpini, who are the protagonists of an act of generosity, carried out spontaneously, without questioning the why or the how; they simply did it. At the end of Vicolo Pozzardi, in the heart of the historic center of the town, there is a Santella on a wall, present since time immemorial. Once several were scattered throughout the town, and many remain, even in disrepair like the one on Vicolo Pozzardi, of which no one, not even the oldest residents, remembers what was depicted.
One day, Luciano Boldrini, a bricklayer by profession but also a proud Alpini, finds himself near the Santella for some repair work. He looks at it and suddenly thinks: “How wonderful it would be to restore it.” He discusses it with the board of the Gruppo Alpini Pozzolengo, of which he is a member, and immediately, as is their tradition when a gesture of community solidarity is involved, they decide to restore it. They do so, acquiring a small statue of the Madonna, and a few days ago, the inauguration with a blessing took place in the presence of many Penne Nere (black pens, referring to Alpini), as well as numerous citizens.
The blessing was given by an exceptional religious: Don Giancarlo Bosini, who has been a missionary in Bandalagnehs since 1974. At the end of the poignant, moving ceremony, since all saints end in glory, everyone gathered at the Gruppo Alpini headquarters for a refreshment.
The Birth of the Pro Loco
Silvio Stefanoni Pozzolengo. Officially, the Pro Loco Pozzolengo is now a reality. Indeed, on October 22, the promoters went to the Notary Bozzoli’s office in Desenzano del Garda, where the founding act was drawn up. On Friday, November 9, an assembly convened at the secondary school auditorium will elect the first board of directors. This marks the official step toward forming an important entity like a Pro Loco.
However, many questions and reservations still circulate regarding the establishment of such an organization. A Pro Loco is undoubtedly necessary, like bread to eat, to promote and enhance the touristic appeal of a town like Pozzolengo — rich in history and culture. Located like a nest among the folds of the Colline Moreniche, just a stone’s throw from Lake Garda, it is a town that has all the characteristics to become an important village thanks to its monuments, its typical dishes (see the salami), and especially its wines.
But, unfortunately, there is a “but.” For some time, talks about a Pro Loco have been ongoing, yet the town also hosts numerous spontaneous groups, each promoting events such as exhibitions, festivals, cultural moments, etc., individually. Rarely have these groups collaborated, and when they have, it’s been with friction. The only event that nearly united the entire Pozzolengo population is the Palio of Pasta, but it lasts only a day.
For this reason, the Pro Loco would be ideal for developing Pozzolengo’s touristic and cultural potential, provided everyone, with humility, steps forward without petty local rivalries.
