In San Severino Lucano one encounters all the magic and poetry of the unique region of Basilicata. This small village, now an Orange Flag town, was founded in the 16th century and is therefore relatively young compared to its neighbouring villages whose origins are lost in history. However, its scenic beauty, uncontaminated nature and the air so clear that it has earned it the name 'Land of Stars', make San Severino Lucano a place definitely worth a visit.
San Severino Lucano
San Severino Lucano is a small, characteristic village in the province of Potenza that rises 877 metres above sea level in the mountainous hinterland of the Pollino National Park. Its territory is located on the north-eastern slope of the Pollino Massif, an area rich in waterways, including the Frido river, and includes several hamlets. The whole area, however, is completely surrounded by the unspoilt nature of the Pollino Park characterised by maples, firs and loricate pines: a perfect habitat for wolves, deer and wild boar. The name of the village originates in the 15th century, when it was a possession of the San Severino family (hence the name). According to some hypotheses, the local population was later joined by groups of fugitives from Casatelsaraceno, following the persecutions suffered by their baron (not by chance, the village was also called Casale San Severino). Today, the territory comprises several hamlets (Mezzana, Valerie and Calanche to the south of the urban centre, Cròpani, Pomarreti and Ballarano to the north, Villaneto and Mancine to the east) all of incredible naturalistic interest.
The typical dishes of San Severino Lucano are based on the products of the Pollino forest and undergrowth. Genuine flavours reminiscent of the land and work in the fields enrich the local recipes: as in the whole of Basilicata, there are many first courses based on homemade pasta: 'rascadietti' (a kind of orecchietta), fusilli made with iron, raviolini with nettle cream, lagane to be eaten hot with beans, and handmade pasta with breadcrumbs and herbs are among the main dishes. In the second courses, garden produce and meat triumph, and the 'mazzacorde' (entrails with garlic, parsley and chilli pepper), roast or barbecued kid or lamb, the 'rappaiona', a soup made with broad beans and spelt, and the loaf of bread stuffed with 'ciambottella', a filling of peppers, onions, tomatoes and sausage, are all worth trying. The cheeses from the Pollino farms (pecorino, caciocavallo, ricotta) and the cured meats handmade from the meat of pigs bred in the area (sausages, soppressata, hams, capicolli) are true local delicacies, excellent accompanied by a local new wine. The desserts are those typical of the Lucanian villages of the Pollino, simple but with a unique flavour The cannariculi, typical of tradition, are sweet fried dumplings to be eaten with icing sugar or soaked in Pollino honey; the currieddi, on the other hand, are eaten mainly during Easter and are a type of bread in both sweet and savoury versions, in autumn it is possible to taste cakes and tarts filled with chestnuts, while at all times of the year we find the famous crispedde, or sweet staples.
As in all ancient villages, San Severino Lucano also has its events linked to worship and popular tradition, although there is no lack of new events, occasions for openness, discussion and celebration. One of the most heartfelt events for the villagers (and not only) is, in July, the Festa della Madonna del Pollino: three days dedicated to celebrations and festivities at the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Pollino, which becomes an even busier destination than usual, attracting believers, travellers and inhabitants of neighbouring municipalities. August, on the other hand, sees the Pollino Music Festival, an occasion where music, culture and traditions coexist among new and emerging artists of national and international fame. Also in August, there is the event 'La terra dei briganti' (The land of brigands) as part of the Festival of Southern Culture: a historical re-enactment of the period when the village experienced brigandage, with shows, music and gastronomic proposals. Throughout the month of October, the Sanseverinese autumn is celebrated, a series of weekend events dedicated to the tasting of typical local dishes with autumnal flavours. Finally, the year ends with the traditional event of the 'pirtusavutt' or the tapping of the barrels and the tasting of new wine, once again in an atmosphere of joy, celebration and sharing.
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