Story by Anthony Savvides
Castel Ritaldi hosted its share of the “Frantoi Aperti” events celebrating Umbria’s regional olive oil production over the weekend. “Frantotipico,” Castel Ritaldi’s annual event in celebration of the local product, began on Friday, November 9, at 10:30, as local fourth and fifth grade students at the local elementary school, Comprensivo G.Parini di Castel Ritaldi, videoconference called students of the same age in Karvia, Finland.
“Frantotipico” opened with this unique event, entitled “Bruschetta Telematica,” that brought together young students worlds apart. Prior to Friday morning’s affair, locally produced extra virgin olive oil was sent to the schoolchildren in Karvia so that the bruschetta being enjoyed during the virtual breakfast party would be equivalent, so that the students would taste the same Umbrian flavoring, even in Finland.
During the conference call, students in both Karvia and Castel Ritaldi discussed nutrition, health and the benefits of a diet containing olive oil. In addition, information was provided about the region’s history, as well as the olive oil production methods employed in Umbria compared with those methods more common in northern Europe. For two years now, the cafeteria at the elementary school in Karvia has been cooking using Castel Ritaldi-produced olive oil, exclusively.
Andrea Reali, the mayor of Castel Ritaldi, hosted Friday morning’s event. Reali is the man behind “Bruschetta Telematica” and is responsible for launching the intercultural communication between Castel Ritaldi and Karvia.
While “Frantotipico” ended on Sunday, events of “Frantoi Aperti” continue throughout Umbria through December 9.