Celebrating Terra Madre Day - An Italian's Perspective

Grazie mille, many thanks, for hosting the “Terra Madre” gathering last night and for offering such a thoughtful introduction to the history of the convivium. It was delicious, communal, and intentional. 

As an Italian, I was especially moved by the way you honored the origins of this movement and the vision of the local Boulder convivium founders, Peggy Markel, who is also a personal friend of mine, and Charlie Papazian, both of whom embody a deep commitment to artisanship and to cultural immersion rooted in place.

In Italy, food has long been understood as more than nourishment, it is a cultural and agri-cultural act that carries history, place, and collective knowledge. 

Our ancient cuisine is shaped by locality and micro-regional traditions, where even neighboring towns carry distinct practices, flavors, and relationships to the land. Naturally, this understanding was recently affirmed through the recognition of Italian cuisine as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, for the entire living system that connects land, farmers, traditions, and communities, beyond individual dishes. 

“Slow Food” plays a fundamental role in keeping this system alive, bringing people together to enjoy what the earth produces while also fostering awareness of how the ground and its people produce it. And let’s not forget “the right to pleasure” (il diritto al piacere, in Carlo Petrini’s words)!

Thank you for stewarding this work with such care and intention. I look forward to getting involved with Slow Food Boulder! 

“Slow” regards, arrivederci,

Amelia Pane Schaffner