About 700 people dined together enjoying the pizzoccheri prepared by the Accademia del Pizzocchero, truly delicious, accompanied by bresaola Rigamonti, bisciola, and a good glass of Valtellina wine. 

After dinner, over a thousand people stayed to listen and dance to the overwhelming music of Love Generation 90: an amazing group, able to make everyone dance and sing. The square was filled with smiles, energy, and that desire to be together that lately seemed a bit dormant.

And not only under the tent: even in the surrounding bars, there were lots of people, a nice hustle and bustle that is not often seen in November. Despite the season, the air was mild, and the desire to go out, to meet, to share carefree moments was clearly felt... especially in these not too "peaceful" times...

All of this was made possible thanks to the Valtellina Wine Trail and the Comune di Sondrio, which together transformed an event that once lasted two days into a whole week of appointments, involving hotel schools from Calabria, Campania, and Sicily, as well as of course those from APF and Valtellina. 

A beautiful sign of openness and collaboration, which gave breath and value to the event.

The festive atmosphere could really be felt everywhere. Even Garibaldi, although “wrapped up” along with the square for organizational reasons, seemed to watch the scene with an ironic smile. Some criticized this choice, but in the end – let’s admit it – if we want well-organized events, we have to accept some compromises. And besides, Garibaldi will only be warm for a few days, it won’t hurt him!

One thing, however, struck me: dancing was mainly done by those over 40 and 50, while the younger guys watched amused, almost incredulous. Perhaps because it wasn’t their music or... they didn’t live through those years when we went out without cell phones, without social media, when fun was spontaneous, simple, and real. 

Today, instead, many “turn off” behind a screen and find it harder to let loose.

And the nightclubs that are inexorably closing are a sign of this...

Too bad, because last night was an evening to throw ourselves into healthy fun, filled with true enthusiasm, like the ones from the past.

I had a lot of fun, and looking at the square, it came to me spontaneously that we need more moments like this in Sondrio. Not necessarily big events, but more frequent gatherings that bring people back to the city: dance nights, music, collaborations with bars and restaurants, maybe even with a small entrance fee, as long as it’s known that it's about having a nice evening together.

Because reflecting after dinner, there's not much to do in the city. Aside from the cinema, theater, and restaurants, there is a lack of a place to meet, have a drink, chat, and have a good time together. Yet, yesterday we saw that when something beautiful is proposed, people respond.

Let’s start from here. From that energy, from that full square, from that desire to be together. 

The Valtellina Wine Trail and Formaggi in Piazza have shown that Sondrio can come alive even in autumn. Now we just need to continue, with consistency and creativity, involving those who want to get involved – from shopkeepers to restaurateurs, and even the citizens themselves.

Because Sondrio, last night, really warmed up. And when the city warms up like this, it's impossible not to think that this could just be the beginning.

Congratulations to the organization of all this and thanks to the hundreds of volunteers involved.

And it’s not over because the party continues until November 9.

Here’s the program: 

Valtellina Wine Trail

Corriamo di gusto