The link between Italy and China: stronger than one might think.
Two countries united by many common points. A millenary history, ancient and rich in tradition. Where habits, customs and the life of their peoples has been marked by the rhythms of nature. Flowers, flavors and fragrances. These are the three qualities that unite us, and with which we want to combine the history of China with that of an area that has lived its history in step with nature for millennia: the Castelli Romani.
For millennia, man has lived following the rhythms set by nature. The seasons, the climate, the plants. All these characteristics, different and unique for each country, have given life to many aspects of our culture. From holidays to typical dishes and products.
It is from here that the uniqueness of a people is recognized, and at the same time the common points that unite us, and which are food for thought for international cooperation.
Italy and China are among them. Distant sisters, united by an ancient bond that still exists today and that we can reflect in many of the traditions and holidays that we celebrate "in our home". We have decided to take you on a journey through the flowers, scents and flavors that unite our two countries.
The Infiorata of Genzano di Roma, 240 years of history, art and tradition.
Nature is harmony and beauty, and who expresses more beauty than flowers?
China and Italy have a long history and many traditions that celebrate the petals and scents of these messengers of the summer.
Cherry trees, almonds, peonies and are among the protagonists of ancient Chinese paintings and works of art. Flowers are valued for their medicinal properties, they are part of celebrations and ceremonies. Just like in Italy, where we dedicate one of our biggest parties to flowers: the infiorate!
The infiorate are a unique event of their kind, which showcase art and nature thanks to the creations that use flower petals, arranged on the ground along the streets of the small villages, to form designs and decorations with bright colors.
The most famous infiorata, and also the largest in the world, has been held in Genzano di Roma since 1778, where every year it projects this city of the Castelli Romani in the international spotlight.
In 2011 it was recognized by the ministry as a 'Heritage of Italy for tradition' and still today it is expertly organized by the citizens of the village in a meticulous way.
The flower that becomes perfume and flavor, in the Grape Festival of Marino
The vine is one of the plants that most symbolizes the power of nature. It remains bare, undeterred throughout the winter, until spring, when the changing seasons allow its splendid branches to.
For us Italians, the most beautiful moment is the blossoming of the vine, because it is the beginning of the life of one of our most loved products: wine!
China also has a not indifferent winemaking tradition. Few people know that China with 13.7 million tons was the 1st producer of grapes in the world, with the largest production in the Shandong province. Many provinces have earned an excellent reputation for their wine production, which in the last 30 years has managed to establish an important production of quality wines, appreciated all over the world.
As in China, there are many Italian provinces, in particular those of Lazio famous for the production of wine, and for the festivals dedicated to this unique product of its kind.
The Grape Festival of Marino is perhaps one of the most famous. Every year this small village in the Castelli Romani comes alive with joy and panache, with a weekend entirely dedicated to wine. Banquets, historical processions and shows celebrate the excellence of the territory, where wines are always the protagonist with the highlight of the whole event: the main fountain of the town makes wine flow from the mouths of the statues that have guarded this tradition for years, for the joy of visitors and citizens who fill their glasses.
And speaking of wine ...
The flavors that unite: the wine culture of the Castelli Romani meets China
The Castelli Romani are the area of Lazio, and of Italy best known for the production of wine. White, red and bubbles. Among these varieties, the Frascati DOCG and the Roma DOC stand out.
The Frascati DOCG dominates the countryside of the Castelli Romani with its vineyards, which extend as far as the eye can see between rolling hills and historic cellars, already used by the powerful Roman Popes. Red, white or sparkling, the Castelli Romani area is teeming with excellence in terms of wine, which is used not only alone, but in many local recipes such as traditional white or red wine donuts. Roma DOC is another excellent wine, in its classic or sparkling version and contains some of the oldest vines in the area, such as Malvasia and Bellone.
Two lands rich in flowers, aromas and flavors, which share a heritage of excellence, all to be enhanced!
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