From our blog itSanbenedettodeltronto
San Benedetto del Tronto boasts a strong and deep-rooted link with the seafaring culture. In fact, the evolution of San Benedetto from a village to a seaside city has consolidated the identity of the city itself. Hence the enhancement of customs, traditions, customs, customs that have their roots in the origins of the territory. Each city, each village has to tell ancient legends or mysteries related to folklore. As well as the archaic trades they bind to the art of cooking.
Rediscover the ancient crafts
Knowing the local crafts and ancient trades allows them to be rediscovered and valued by present and future generations. These are traditional crafts that still survive today in the alleys of the city as a form of knowledge of one's roots. In particular, a profession of the fundamental arts and professions in the civic culture of San Benedetto del Tronto is that of rope maker. It is a profession that belongs mainly to the world of fishing. The rope maker worked hemp, a fundamental material for making ropes and nets.
San Benedetto del Tronto, the legends between sea and mountains
The city of San Benedetto del Tronto is full of legends that tell it. Knowing them helps us to deepen the knowledge of its origins. Often we start from a true story which is then handed down orally and, in the various passages, new details are always added with an almost improbable content. Its legends are divided between those that arise from the sea and those that live hidden in the thick woods of the Picene mountains.. The most famous is the legend of the Sibilla Cumana, woman endowed with divinatory powers. In particular, it is able to make predictions in dark form and tradition has it that it lived in a cave. It seems to be a figure that really existed historically.
Many of the mythologies are related to the world of fishermen. Like lu Scijò, an ancient Adriatic legend. Its name is the dialectal form of "Sea trumpet". According to the tales of the San Benedetto sailors, he personifies this frightening phenomenon ready to punish the sins of man. This myth has become, over the centuries, a source of inspiration for poems and legends of the fishing people.
The culinary art linked to the sea
What about the culinary tradition of which the city is rich. AND a gastronomy mainly linked to fishing. So, to the sea. Among the specialties, the first of all is the famous brodetto alla sambenedettese which was born as a typical poor dish, linked to the life on board of the fishermen. Its origin derives from the fishermen's habit of cooking on board that part of the fish not destined for the market due to poor quality. Or for the size that is too small.
Fishing and the culinary tradition of San Benedetto del Tronto
They have a story to tell there too frying of paranza, a very tasty second course of frying small fish. Also spray cans: they are none other than the common sea snails. But its preparation boasts a fundamental ingredient, namely the wild fennel who in San Benedetto is called "bastard". Specifically, it has the power to give the dish a very precious aroma and flavor. Then, another dish linked to fishing follows, anchovies alla scottadito (“Anghjò” in San Benedetto dialect). Specifically it is the blue fish which was once considered poor raw material. But today it represents a gastronomic excellence.
Therefore, the Marche city has nothing to envy to other seaside cities. Compelling and curious stories, crafts that tell entire generations, culinary specialties with flavors and smells that captivate they are an integral part of the cultural heritage and of the San Benedetto community. Impossible not to be conquered!
