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Italy is often
referred to as the country shaped as a
"boot". If you look
at the "heel" of the "boot" you will find the region of
Puglia. Puglia is
a large region that boarders the Adriatic Sea. The coastline runs for 800
kilometers is knows as the "Lungo Mare" (Long Sea). The sea
plays a major role in Puglian life as an essential highway for tides of people
and ideas. Most of the fish that Italians eat is brought in from the
shores of Puglia. The character of the people of
Puglia, their way of
thinking and acting, is a perfect reflection of this age-old relationship
between man and sea.
The sea brings forth a varied
assortment of fresh catches: octopus, eels, cuttlefish, sea urchins,
squid, mussels, shellfish, and tuna. Restaurants and coast dwellers are
accustom to creating such delicious dishes as grilled octopus salad, fish soup,
pasta with fresh lobsters and tomatoes. Another regional favorite is muscles
garnished with
rice and potatoes.
Those who do not make their
lives on the coast are committed to the inland fields and agriculture.
Puglia is the
central producer of wheat, olives, grapes, cereals, almonds, figs,
and tobacco. Farming has been the way of life of people from this region
for many years. Vegetables such as broccoli, eggplants, tomatoes, fennel,
onions and chicory are all staples in most Pugliese dishes.
The people of
Puglia are not
big meat eaters but they have their share of beef, pork, and poultry. The
region consumes mostly lamb related dishes showing the influences of their
neighbors in Greece. Lamb is brewed in stews, grilled on spitfires and
used to make the ever popular sausage.
The art of
Puglia can be
seen in the structures of churches, castles, homes and piazza's. Each town
holds a different influence passed down by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines,
Normans, Swabians, French and the Spaniards. The native workmanship and
craftsmen combined with the many influences from visitors and conquerors gave
birth to spectacular art form in this region. Many castles and towns in
Puglia are home to museums displaying various forms of art through the years
along with museums dedicated to the sea, agriculture and religious artifacts.
The calendar of
Puglia is
filled with feasts, celebrations, and holidays. Each celebration is
orchestrated with lights, fireworks, processions, parades, open markets, food
and music. Celebrations are conducted for yearly harvests, patron saints,
traditional sports, religious events, tributes to medieval royalty and wine
tasting. Religious feasts are the main cause of celebrations in this
region.
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