An autumn full of flavor and vitality for Vibo Valentia. The recent events “Vicoli Divini” (organized by the Saturnalia association) and “Vibo in Fermento – Sulle vie dei Mastri Birrai” (organized by the Pro Loco) have transformed the city into a lively open-air stage, registering great success with the public and contributing to enriching the local food and wine and tourist offer with a view to deseasonalization compared to the summer.
Among the historic streets of the centre, “Vicoli Divini” has been able to enhance the excellent food and wine and the traditions of the area, attracting enthusiasts, tourists and families in a suggestive atmosphere. Many Calabrian wineries and an evening that allowed us to savor the beauty of the historic center of Vibona, especially the Carmine district. At the same time, the energy of “Vibo in Fermento” brought enthusiasm and entertainment, demonstrating how cultural and food and wine events can act as a fundamental economic driving force for traders, downtown venues and the entire city. Masterclasses, breweries from all over Calabria, music and entertainment in a historic center that experienced an evening of conviviality and being together.
The two initiatives confirm a clear trend: the synergy between promotion of the territory, quality products and social aggregation represents the winning key to revitalizing the city and giving breathing space to local entrepreneurship even outside the classic summer season.
Pitaro and Gallo: from legislation to the valorization of the territory, from the quality of life to economic growth
Among the results of the discussion, the commitment made by the regional councilor Vito Pitaro to promote an amendment to the regional law on craft beer, a proposal shared and supported by the regional councilor for Agriculture Gianluca Gallo.
Pitaro also recalled the social value of events such as “Vibo in Fermento”, underlining how their importance is not only measured in the economic impact, but also in the ability to improve the quality of life of citizens. Events that encourage sociality, restore vitality to public spaces, strengthen the sense of belonging and make cities more attractive and liveable, contributing to the well-being of communities.
Regional councilor Gallo emphasized the growing recognition of Calabria, the result of a territorial marketing strategy that enhances production, businesses and identity excellence. In this process, events such as “Vibo in Fermento” represent tools capable of describing the territory, promoting its quality and creating connections between producers, consumers and institutions.
ARSAC, Municipality and territorial networks: a collaboration that generates opportunities
The general director of ARSAC, Fulvia Caligiuri, highlighted the role of the Agency in accompanying companies through technical assistance, innovation and qualification of agri-food production. He also reiterated the importance of giving continuity to support for local initiatives, recognizing the collaboration between institutions, producers and organizers as a lever for promoting Calabrian excellence.
The mayor of Vibo Valentia, Enzo Romeo, underlined the value of the event for the vitality of the urban centre, consistent with a vision of the city that aims at aggregation, culture and enhancing the identity of the territory. Address strengthened by the presence of the councilors Caterina De Luca for production activities and budget and Stefano Soriano for culture and tourism.
Vitaliano Papillo, president of the GAL Terre Vibonesi, focused on the role of territorial networks, highlighting the need to build collaborations capable of supporting communities, enhancing local resources and offering development prospects also to internal areas.
Tonino Cugliari, representing the Catanzaro Crotone Vibo Valentia Chamber of Commerce, recalled the importance of the connection between the entrepreneurial system, economic promotion and support also for third sector initiatives for local economic promotion.
The president of Slow Food Calabria, Michelangelo D’Ambrosio, placed the quality and sustainability of the supply chains at the center, relaunching the prospect of also producing the raw materials intended for craft beer locally.
Manuela Filice, regional manager of De.Co. identity, highlighted the role of municipal denominations in safeguarding traditions and in the recognisability of local productions thanks to the attention of the Calabria Region.
The president of UNPLI Calabria, Filippo Capellupo, finally reiterated the function of the Pro Loco in protecting identities and promoting communities, recalling the path started by “Vibo in Fermento” towards the national recognition “Festival of Quality”.
Giusi Fanelli: the sixth edition focuses on digital innovation and sustainability
The institutional debate was opened by Giusi Fanelli, national UNPLI manager and vice-president of the Pro Loco Vibo Città, who announced the start of planning for the sixth edition.
The challenge will be to introduce digital tools to simplify the organisation, improve the visitor experience and collect data on participation flows and the economic and social impacts of the event.
The objective is to build an increasingly efficient, sustainable and measurable model, capable of guiding future choices and strengthening dialogue with institutions and businesses.
Schools and young people protagonists of the event
The involvement of the school world is also important. In addition to the collaboration of the IIS “Gagliardi – De Filippis – Prestia”, the contribution of the “Vito Capialbi” high school, directed by Antonello Scalamandrè, through a school-work training course created with the Pro Loco was significant.
The students were able to directly deal with the organization of events, communication and promotion of local heritage, acquiring skills and experience in the field.
An investment in the new generations that strengthens the educational and social value of the event.
Michele Catania: «Objectives achieved, we have built value for the city»
The president of the Pro Loco Vibo Città, Michele Catania, draws the final balance and expresses satisfaction with the results achieved.
«We achieved the objectives we set ourselves. We wanted an event capable not only of attracting thousands of people, but of producing value for the city. We have combined brewing culture, training, institutional comparison and concrete support for city commerce, demonstrating that an event can become a growth tool for the entire territory.”
Catania underlines the significance of the two events that enriched the program.
«The masterclass and the talk at Palazzo Gagliardi represented two fundamental moments: on the one hand knowledge and training, on the other the dialogue between producers and institutions, from which concrete prospects emerged for the Calabrian brewing sector».
The choice to develop the event along the main commercial axis of the city was also central.
«We wanted to support those who invest and work in our city every day. Bringing thousands of people back to the center means offering visibility to economic activities, encouraging new opportunities and contributing to making Vibo a more lively and attractive city.”