Puglia
While Puglia may be off-the-beaten path for some tourists, many travelers know that some of the most amazing crafts and the best food can be found down at the heel of Italy’s famous boot. The nation’s agricultural heartland is the source of many artistic wonders, such as the reeds that a family of weavers has used to make baskets for decades. Others use the crops here to produce homemade olive oil. For one iron worker, the Puglian terrain is a source of inspiration, as he creates visionary sculptures. One artist digs deep into the clay-rich soil to build on the local tradition of ceramic-making, while some use the wheat to make mouth-watering pasta recipes passed down for generations. And a family of Puglia’s most ambitious artisans looks for ways to brighten its night skies with their stunning light displays--these creations not only illuminate the wonder of this region, but have brought amazement and delight to people around the world.
Basket Weavers
In Acquarica del Capo, a small village near Lecce, the Siciliano family is carrying on a long, proud tradition as weavers. Sister brother team Anna and Patrizio are the current and fourth generation to run the family business. They work with the tall and wild grass called rush to weave and braid their beautiful creations. Their grandfather was a rush trader, and their parents, Francesca and Cesare Siciliano, were masters of rush intertwining. Francesca died last summer, but Cesare is still working every day even at his advanced age. Patrizio is a basket weaver, and Anna makes bags that are in high demand around the world.
Check out the Siciliano’s Website
Light Display Designers
The De Cagnas have been dazzling audiences with their light displays for more than 80 years. Their breathtaking displays have lit up the night sky all across Europe and as far away as Japan and North Korea. It all started with Cesario De Cagna’s father, who brought his singular style of illumination to town fairs and public spaces many years ago. Cesario picked up where his father left off and took the company from Italian institution to global sensation. Cesario's sons also now work in the family business.
Check out more work from Luminarie de Cagna
Paper Mache Dolls
In Lecce, some of the city’s true masterpieces are not chiseled from stone, they’re actually made of paper mache. The art of paper mache, also known as cartapesta, first came to Lecce in the 17th century. Claudio Riso began learning paper mache when he was just 15 years old from one of Lecce’s master makers. Today, Claudio runs his own business of paper mache dolls and has been creating his art for more than 40 years.
Ceramic Artists
For centuries, Puglia has been known for its dazzling ceramics made with local clay. The only daughter after three sons, Enza Fasana had to fight a lot in the family to make her vision of ceramics and her revolutionary spirit understood. Enza’s family have been potters for three generations, but Enza’s take on the artform is more unique. Twenty years ago Enza, along with her husband and eventually their daughter Giovanna, started their own pottery empire. Enza and her ceramics, which incorporate traditional techniques with modern flare, are famous all over the world.
Check out more from Ceramiche Enza Fasano
Bread and Pasta Orecchiette
Grazia Agostino is a super grandmother and passionate educator in her town of Alberobello. The local association, Arteca, which Grazia is a part of makes it their mission to pass on local values and traditions - like making homemade pasta. Paola Girolami is one of Grazio’s cooking students. Grazio is teaching Paolo and others the fine art of making homemade orechiette, a traditional type of Puglian pasta. It’s also known as the little ear because of its round, cup-like shape. Orechiette is made with flour, semolina, and water. Without eggs, this pasta is more dense and pairs nicely with heavier sauces.
