I will be visiting Collelongo this winter again to enjoy the winter festivities of St. Antonio and I hope some of you will meet me there for the "17th of January '03". Believe me, this is something to experience as it compares very much to the summer festivities of St. Rocco and then some, with the three great 20 foot "Fired Up Torchons" lit up all week long across the whole town. And the lightings all along those tiny streets, and the famous all night processions and sing alongs that go back and fourth from "a monte e a balle". I had the opportunity to experience this a few years back with my wife Franceen and we both loved the harmony and warm welcome from friends and family who are as always very intimate especially at that time of year. Hope to meeting a long lost Paesan there. Ciao.
I had the pleasure of visiting Collelongo in 1987 and 1989 and also marrying Rocco Cesile's (formely of Collelongo) daughter, Maria Rosaria - that is my connection with Collelongo! What an absolutely amazing township. The mountains, scenery, the architecture, old streets, and best of all the friendly people. As a photographer I captured many of the townfolk and I especially recorded the festival of St. Antonio Abate - one of the best festivals I have ever experienced. Maria and I will be back to visit this wonderful place soon and catch up with friends and family.
How can you not fall in love with a town that is rich in history, culture, and community! Along side that, the scenery is unlike anything you will find in North America! I love visting Collelongo and my parents (who were born there) are addicted! Once you step foot in the town, you become a part of it. Can't wait to go back!
I had the pleasure of staying in Villavellalonga in 1987 and 1989 with my wife Maria-Rosaria, who's mother was born in the town (Berenice Bianchi). Villavellalonga is one of the nicest towns I have ever visited. The scenery is breathtaking and the township so beautiful with the old buildings and cobble roads. As a fine art photographer I spent hours photographing the township and people. I was even fortunate enough to capture the entire festival of St. Antonio Abate, and the "Favata". I have some wonderful black and white photographs of the festival at home. The photos have also been exhibited in Melbourne (Australia). The wonderful thing about photographing is that I met so many residents of the town. They were so friendly and all inviting me into their homes for food, coffee, and a good chat. This was such a wonderful way to learn about the town and people. Maria and I do plan on going back and visiting all our friends and relatives. Villavallelonga is a town I recommend all to…
In the words of Dante, the Collelonghese are truly "forte e gentile". As I continue to meet decendents of these proud people across the USA, I am amazed at the contributions which this small town has made to Americian society.
In my many journeys to Collelongo over the past forty years I have always been greeted with warm hospitality not only by family but by strangers as well. Visit and you won't be disappointed.
My grandfather, Luigi Guanciale and his brother Carmine immigrated from Collelongo to Syracuse, NY when they were in their late teens. I've visited almost every year for the past 12 years, and I'll be going there in June. It's a beautiful little corner of the world, where the people are truly "forte e gentile."
I visited Collelongo in 1972 with my two girlfriends. The scenery was that out of a movie, with rolling green hillsides everywhere, the gossipy old lady sheep herder, old cobblestone streets and architecture, the bakery (the best!), the butcher, a gelato on a warm summer night and italian music -- like a little Disneyland (short of plumbing those days). The people were absolutely the warmest I've met in the world. We made great friends. Collelongo, on top for best memories.
My father and I just came back from a tour of Italy. Venice, Padua, Pisa, Assisi, Perugia, Florence, and Rome, those places were wonderful but what I found to be one of the most enchanting, warm, and beautiful places on our whole trip was Collelongo. My father and I were extremely impressed with the fine hospitality, the company, the family and the food. The surrounding mountains are breathtaking and the old style charm of everything was well taken. Now, I can really see why people do go back to Collelongo for a visit. I know one thing, I definitely will be going back, hopefully soon.
I visited Collelongo two years ago in the month of August. My father, Francesco Guanciale, was born in the town along with his brother Donato. Our trip was planned around the town festival in celebration of St. Rocco. I was able to meet many of my relatives that I had only heard about or seen pictures of in the past. I definitely will go again and enjoy the scenery, friends and family get togethers. I currently live in Greensboro, NC with my wife Carli. We are both from Newark, OH which is where my grandfather Domenico Guanciale immigrated to from Italy in the early 1900s.
I first visited Collelongo in 1952 with my family when I was 10 years old. As a youngster I enjoyed every minute of my time there playing bocce with my cousins and running all over town every day. I returned in 1962 with a friend from college and the two frat boys had the time of our lives in this wonderful village. Fast forward to 1997. My wife, Jeanine, and I come back to Collelongo. Me for the 3rd time, Jeanine for her 1st. We loved the town and the people--especially our cousins and uncle. We have returned in 1998, 2000, 2001 and 2003. It's a wonderful town and we are very fortunate to have a home there where we can stay when we visit. Also, having such great family there is really the icing on the cake. Collelongo, we love you! D*ck and Jeanine Abruzzi. Warren, Ohio
Collelongo … Can any place in the world be more beautiful, peaceful, relaxing, and exciting all at the same time!
Villavallelonga … I remember visiting Villa in my youthful days. The people, the town, and the heritage are astonishing. Villa is a very peaceful place, although you have no privacy-- in Villa it's just like Cheers "where everybody knows your name." The Festas in Villa are second to none. If you enjoy the outdoors, animals, conversation, hiking, picnics, and of course dancing, and old italian style folk music then "LA VILLA" is definitely a journey you want to embark on. Enjoy your stay in Villa and plese dont judge a book by its cover!
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