There’s been a bit of a buzz around what’s happening (not happening) to Modica’s centri storici (historic centres).
Before continuing: Yes … we have two historic centres here. One’s where we live, Modica Bassa (the ‘low’ part of the city); while the other’s in Modica Alta (the ‘high’ part). Modica Sorda must be mentioned here, as it represents the newer part of the city.
Now Sorda is by far the biggest district: A sprawling-ugly 20th century addition, full of soulless apartment blocks. What it does have though is larger supermarkets, shopping centres, a major hospital, and somewhat better infrastructure and services.
Why the recent ‘buzz’ though?
It’s because of the work of a local citizen's action group, the “Associazione ModicAltra”, who conducted a building survey of one square kilometre of the historic centres of both Modica Bassa and Alta.
They registered a total of 5,661 homes … of which 2,174 were empty. That 38 percent being due to either outright abandonment or them simply not being lived in by their owners. I’m sure any number of non-used ‘BnB’s are included in that number. We have many of those!
It’s something those of us living here are fully aware of, of course.
Solutions? Maybe money? Possibly incentives? Perhaps the political will to do something about it? All sadly lacking, I’m afraid!
And not just here: The whole of Italy is fighting against the tide of history…
It’s something those of us living here are fully aware of, of course.
Solutions? Maybe money? Possibly incentives? Perhaps the political will to do something about it? All sadly lacking, I’m afraid!
And not just here: The whole of Italy is fighting against the tide of history…
Preference
We’re now amid what I call “Procession Season” here in the religious South.
Have to say it though, and don’t get me wrong here: I like the “Madonna ‘Vasa Vasa’” (“Madonna ‘Kiss Kiss’”) parade.
 |
| 'Festa di San Giorgio' 2024 |
It’s just that, for me, it’s a little too … sterile. A little too ‘showy’, maybe a wee bit too ‘touristy’, for the likes of me. That’s just my opinion, mind: For me at least, it doesn’t really do too much, I’m afraid!
That said, let’s talk about the “Festa di San Giorgio” (“Saint George’s Day”) parade.
This occurred two days ago, and it’s f’sure something else entirely! While also spectacular, religiously significant and, yes, ‘showy’ too, there’s an absolute joy in the proceedings that’s something you must experience for yourself.
To me, it’s a much more personal celebration by its citizens of the city they live in: San Giorgio being the city’s patron saint after all. Do remember that it is essentially a ‘Modica Alta’ celebration, with all that that entails (see my post above). This is because the Duomo (Cathedral) of Saint George is in Alta, not Bassa.
One local described this parade as being “too pagan”, and I agree.
Because it does feel almost that!
My New ‘Job’
Back in September 2023, I created my "All Things Modica" Facebook page.
It’s almost turned into a ‘job’ now … as my long-suffering wife has pointed out on several occasions.
Maybe true, but if so, it’s a job I really like doing. Thankfully.
But hey, I’m not complaining. I’m more than grateful for all the ‘likes’, ‘shares’ and ‘views’ I’ve been getting over the last eight months. Keep ‘em coming, I say!
It’s just that it does make me a little sad (and somewhat frustrated) that Modica, my hometown, is just so poor at advertising themselves really.
Why should someone like me be doing this, albeit for mostly English speakers? I constantly come across events advertised only days (and sometimes even hours) before they’re due to kick off. And that’s if I’m lucky enough to find them before they’ve happened.
Now the comune do maintain a ‘Tourist Office’ here, but as one follower said recently: “You know more about what’s happening than they do!” And, self-congratulations aside, that’s not a good thing! Okay, nobody likes being bombarded with adverts, but then ‘good’ advertising is sadly lacking here.
C’mon Modica … do me out of a job!
No comments:
Post a Comment