A part of the population that inhabits the vast territory of the province of Cosenza speaks two languages that have nothing to do with Italian or local dialects, does not follow the Latin Church ritual, keeps peculiar ancient traditions alive, holds its own history linked to places of origin (the history of the Waldenses is really tragic and painful) and dating back to more than five centuries ago, contributed through abnegation and courage to the struggle for the unification of Italy, gave birth to great human beings that stimulated Italy’s growth and progress in every field and was capable of properly integrating in society but at the same time proudly preserving its diversities.

This part of the population spread haphazardly over the territory of the province and is now organized in communities characterised by their own great linguistic and cultural heritage which most European regions envy.

Among the above communities, we shall mention the Arbëreshë (Italian-Albanian) whose settlements are located on the northern part of the Ionian Sea (Castroregio / Kastërnexhi con Farneta, Plataci / Pllatëni), in the Pollino (Civita / Çifti, Frascineto / Frasnita con Eiannina / Purçilli, San Basile / Shën Vasili, Firmo / Ferma, Lungro / Ungra, Acquaformosa / Firmoza), in the Greek Sila (San Giorgio Albanese / Mbuzati, Vaccarizzo Albanese / Vakarici, San Cosmo Albanese / Strigàri, San Demetrio Corone / Shën Mitri con Macchia Albanese / Maqi, Santa Sofia d’Epiro / Shën Sofia), in the area of Sibari (Spezzano Albanese / Spixana) and on both sides of the Calabrian Apennines (San Benedetto Ullano / Shën Benedhiti con Marri / Allimarri, Cerzeto / Qana con San Giacomo di Cerzeto / Sënd Japku e Cavallerizzo / Kejverici, San Martino di Finita / Shën Mirtiri, Mongrassano / Mungrasana, Cervicati / Cervikati, Santa Caterina Albanese / Picilia, Falconara Albanese / Fallkunara).


The province of Cosenza is also inhabited by the Occitan community of Waldensian origin that lives on the Tyrrhenian side of the Apennines (around the town of Guardia Piemontese / La Gàrdia); the members of this community still speak the troubadours' Lenga d'Oc.

Since 1999 the linguistic minorities in the province of Cosenza (and also all other Italian historical minorities) are protected under national law No. 482/99 on the protection of historical linguistic minorities, as well as under a specific regional law No. 2003/15 on Calabrian minorities which updates the principles laid down by article 6 of the Italian Constitution. More specifically, the Provincial administration stands out with its targeted projects in every field carried out in cooperation with the University of Calabria. These projects are aimed at safeguarding the two languages (Arbëreshë and Occitan), disseminating literary works (e.g. Opera Omnia by Girolamo De Rada), establishing a Professorship of Occitan language, networking both public and private libraries involved in the so-called BESA (an electronic Arbëreshë library) project, reviving history through the publication of important though unknown people's biographies, disseminating documents regarding the Risorgimento and partisan struggles.

The person who makes all this possible is the President of the Province, the right on. Mario Oliverio who contributes enormously to the above projects, and the person who actually carries out all the initiatives is the Alderman for linguistic minorities Donatella Laudadio. In fact, she has introduced the Provincial Language Desk and municipal language desks (where applicable) under the above mentioned law; she has also established the provincial coordination office for minorities which helps mayors of minority areas developing joint programmes and initiatives aimed at protecting local cultural heritage and finding together elements to enhance the economy of Arbëreshë territories.

The several allophonic communities add a remarkable variety to the territory of the province that is one of the biggest in Italy and richest in historical evidence, cultural and landscape heritage. Linguistic minorities are an added value to the Province and definitely boost cultural, ethnical and religious tourism that still need to take off in Calabria.
If you find yourself visiting one of these communities, you will find it interesting for many reasons. First of all, in little squares and cafés you can listen to local people speaking in different languages. You can participate and be involved during folk or religious events, the latters being characterised by the Byzantine rite.

You can go on unforgettable visits to churches rich in paintings, mosaics and icons that you will not find anywhere else.

You can admire great and precious traditional dresses that local minorities are used to wearing during events that go far back in time.
You can listen to little and great stories belonging to those communities, getting to know legendary heroes through rhapsodies and traditional dances accompanied with old instruments still in use.
You can admire stunning landscapes in which local municipalities are beautifully melted. Last but not least, you can enjoy local people's hospitality and find it greater than everywhere else.

Come and visit places that have not yet been polluted by mass tourism, where you can come in contact with ordinary people in their ordinary lives. Nowadays, that's saying a lot!
 

Alfredo Frega