Amongst music, dances, good food, but above all, great emotions.
Legend has it that Borgo Preplans was established around 1700 as a small pastoral settlement. It had only a few inhabitants, but in the 1950s and 1960s, it reached a population of up to 60 people. Unfortunately, life was difficult, and food was primarily produced from locally cultivated land and raised animals, although it was sufficient, it was not abundant. It was the early decades of the post-war period, and the world outside the village was rapidly developing. The phenomenon that characterized the surrounding areas also took hold here. Many men would “migrate” to perform various jobs such as carpenters, joiners, blacksmiths, and so on, while women stayed in the village to care for the children and manage the land. Typically, during the winter months, husbands and sons would return home for a few months before setting off again. This marked the beginning of depopulation. Sometimes, women would eventually join their husbands abroad, and often children would start a life far from their native land. The final blow came with the earthquake of ’76. Today, only four people permanently reside in the hamlet, but during weekends and summer periods, the number of inhabitants increases as second homes open up, and non-residents seek to regain some peace and tranquility between these two arches, to disconnect and engage in other activities. However, in the last 15 years, there have been occasions when the village has regained its full vitality. Events have brought back splendor and renewed energy to this place, bringing joy and promising a new future.
After decades, in 2008, the wedding between me and my beloved Monica was celebrated, which awakened the spirits and swept away the dust from that long-submerged vitality and joy. Subsequently, there was the Festival of Fairies, where 200 people immersed themselves in a fairy-tale atmosphere with harp concerts, Celtic dances, fortune tellers, and colorful costumes. In 2012, the wedding of Massimo and Valentina sealed a new promise of love among the stones of these walls. I also recall the book presentation by Maurizio Callegaro when, through his stories, we tasted distant lands. On that occasion, the scenery was quite captivating, with the village illuminated by colored lights: the stones of the houses took on shades of green, purple, and white… it felt like being in a movie. I certainly won’t forget Sergio and Meni’s 70th birthday celebration, with more than 70 people, and the equally memorable festivities for the retirement of the splendid Maria. The annual Nativity Scene event is also undoubtedly a special occasion.
The latest in this long list was the wedding of my brother Michele and my sister-in-law Marika. After finishing their home here in Borgo, they decided to fulfill their dream in this place.
It was the perfect day!
It began with anxiety over the uncertain weather, but we were determined to proceed in this courtyard, among these houses, despite having a backup plan. Once again, there was a strong desire to experience this moment in the midst of nature and the unique energy that only this place can offer.
For every event, Borgo is prepared accordingly: cleaned, tidied, adorned for the celebration, and this time we exceeded all expectations.
The courtyard between the two arches is filled with flowers: hydrangeas and wildflowers this time graced us with their colors.
The tables are set on the cobblestones, arranged neatly, and adorned with elegant tablecloths, white lanterns, and memories of times past.
The lawn behind the buildings is cared for like a golf course, and old barrels are placed here and there to serve as support for food and refreshments. Under the towering pines, with simple works of land art (thanks to Stefano Borselli!), a corner is created for the ceremony, warmly welcoming the two lovers. White chairs and baskets filled with hydrangea flowers create a cozy atmosphere—light to the eyes but warm in the heart.
The catering arrives early in the morning, parking their vehicles in the hidden corners of the village. There’s a great hustle and bustle, everyone is busy with small and big tasks. It seems like chaos, but in reality, the anthill is well-organized, and everyone knows what they need to do.
It’s afternoon, the weather seems to be playing tricks on us, teasing us with uncertainty. But whether it rains or not, the wedding must go on!
The bells of Meduno chime at 4 o’clock… it’s time! The bride must emerge from her room, which has been transformed into a beauty studio for hours.
The guests are on the lawn, enjoying the sun rays and the beautiful scenery. The groom stands beside the celebrant’s table, eagerly awaiting his life partner!
The DJ starts playing the music for the big moment, and the bride appears at the beginning of the lawn, emerging from the village arch, accompanied by her smiling and lively father, who deep down is filled with emotion like never before.
The eyes of the attendees well up with tears as her white dress, simple and perfectly in tune, makes her even more beautiful.
Their hands join together, ready to exchange their vows!
As the celebrant, in this case, myself, I kick off the event. I avoid looking at them too much, as I might get emotional myself, but I try to express what I feel in my heart nonetheless.
The ceremony was emotional because it naturally reflected the spirit that we often seek when we gather in the village. Light yet heartfelt, fun yet sincere, brief yet intense—in a word, engaging, because the people who took part in it experienced it to the fullest.
After the heartfelt speech by Mayor Rovedo, the readings by some friends, and the exchange of rings, joy erupted and the celebration began.
The refreshments on the lawn were greatly appreciated, both for the delicious dishes served and the atmosphere that surrounded us. It was a moment of gentle togetherness that allowed the various guests to blend and harmonize.
The celebration then moved to the courtyard, between the two arches, embraced by the warm stone walls of our building.
The dishes, all made with locally sourced ingredients, unfolded with the curiosity of the guests and delighted their palates.
The music accompanied the day. Hearts were full, happiness overflowed, and the dancing began without hesitation. People danced at the tables between bites of risotto and braised meat. Few were seated, many moved to the rhythm of the music.
There was no age dividing them, no place of origin separating them. Everyone felt part of this village, everyone felt at home, free to move and do what they felt inside.
The melodies entered both open and long-closed houses; souls resonated deeply, and joy embraced everyone. The village once again recognized its vitality and welcomed everyone as if they all belonged to this story and this land.
Unconsciously, the guests sensed it and let themselves go.
When the first notes of “Maracaibo” begin, a grand train sets off in the middle of the village, led by conductor dad Gigi, and no one resists joining its journey, to the point that it stretches the entire cobblestone path.
The uncertain weather is now a memory, and no one pays attention, even if a few drops fall on the plates and tables.
I step out of the bubble for a moment and gaze at the sky. The storm front ends where the village begins, and from up there, someone watches us and takes pleasure in our enjoyment.
It is late now, 11:30 PM. The glasses have been emptied many times, and some, after being filled with joy, have already headed home. Only the devoted remain, the closest friends, those who say, “We’ll close the place ourselves.” Heavy rain begins to pour, but no one cares. They continue to dance under the refreshing drops, singing at the top of their lungs, hoping these moments will last.
Once again, the village is filled with energy, and people have truly experienced it, savoring its spirit. Love and the joy of being together have triumphed once more.
Cheers to the newlyweds, Marika and Michele! May they have a wonderful life!
