Spezzano Albanese, Italian comune
Spezzano Albanese is a commune in the Province of Cosenza, in Calabria, set on a hill overlooking the Crati River valley. The area includes the Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie and the archaeological site of Torre Mordillo.
The town was founded in the 15th century by Albanian refugees fleeing the Ottomans, who brought their language and customs with them. Archaeological finds at Torre Mordillo show that the area was already settled long before, during the Bronze Age.
Spezzano Albanese is one of the few places in Calabria where the Albanian language Arbëresh is still spoken in daily life. During celebrations like Carnival, women wear traditional costumes that have remained unchanged for centuries.
The town is most easily reached by car via local roads, and small guesthouses and restaurants can be found in and around the center. Visiting during Carnival or the Easter processions is the best way to experience local traditions in person.
During Carnival, the town hosts the Corsa dei Cavalli, a horse race in which riders try to hit floating rubber targets with small spears. This custom links the town to old chivalric tournaments and is found nowhere else in the region.
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