San Marco in Lamis: between books, brigands, and pilgrims. From the podcast “Gargano Capitale. I racconti di un Monte in cammino”.

PODCAST

In this episode of Gargano Capitale, Lorenzo Scaraggi takes us to San Marco in Lamis, a town steeped in stories of brigands, pilgrims, and literary culture. Joined by co-host Laura Pirro, Lorenzo guides us through local traditions and tales that make this place unique, weaving together the voices of the community with the charm of the surrounding landscapes.

The episode begins with the music of Angelo Ciavarella, whose mandolin sets the perfect tone for exploring San Marco in Lamis. Laura Pirro, in addition to co-hosting, introduces us to the Sentiero dell’Anima (“Path of the Soul”), an artistic and poetic park where the pages of a book seem to come alive among the trees, featuring poems in the local dialect and tributes to the rural way of life.

Antonio Motta, a scholar of Leonardo Sciascia, shares the story of the Sicilian author’s visit to San Marco in 1987 and his efforts to establish the largest archive dedicated to Sciascia, preserving rare and valuable works that celebrate the author’s literary legacy. Giampiero Villani, an environmental guide and speleologist, takes us on a journey through the area’s many caves, such as the Dolina Pozzatina, and the archaeological discoveries tied to ancient fertility rites.

Grazia Galante, an expert in culinary traditions, discusses San Marco’s typical dishes, such as pancotto, and the cultural influences that have enriched the local cuisine. Luigi Ciavarella delves into the town’s rich musical tradition, recounting the history of the local marching bands that have played a central role in the cultural life of the community.

Carla Bonfitto, professor and organizer of the literary festival Pagine d’Autore (“Pages of the Author”), describes how this event transforms the cloister of the San Matteo Convent into a vibrant cultural hub. Finally, Angelo Ciavarella concludes the episode by sharing stories of pilgrims and brigands who have traveled through these lands, leaving an indelible mark on the collective memory.

This episode celebrates the stories, traditions, and culture of San Marco in Lamis, offering a fascinating journey to a place where the past and present come together in a captivating narrative.