Welcome to my Basilicata newsletter!

I'm busy getting ready for our October Basilicata tour—Craco and the Festival of San Vincenzo (October 20-26, with a few spots still left)..

I just finished a reel on the story of the Lucani—how they left, and how they're starting to return—that includes some of the makers we'll visit in October: The story of the diaspora is at the heart of what Basilicata is today. Some see it as a sad story, but I don't. The Lucani who went to the Americas (North and South) were builders—stonemasons, seamstresses, carpenters, laborers. They built lives there, but never forgot their saints, their customs, and their food. And now, Basilicata is so… vibrant, alive.

And here's another reel I made earlier about Craco:.

Here's the tip for this newsletter. If you're visiting Castelmezzano, be sure to visit Gelateria Caruso. Pina Caruso's "Acheruntino" gelato is made with local cream, cooked wine, almonds, and toasted Matera breadcrumbs. It took first place at the prestigious Gelato Festival World Masters, making it—arguably!—the best gelato in the world.

Questions about Basilicata? Suggestions for what you'd like me to cover in this newsletter? Just want to say hello? Reply to this email, and I'll get right back to you.

Grazie!

– Giuditta