U parmentu or grape pressing

In 1448 the Aragonese conquered the lands of Catanzaro from the Angiolini. The Albanian phalanx of their army was rewarded and they were granted lands. Thus was born Marcedusa where someone still speaks Arbëresh, the ancient Albanian language. The inhabitants devoted themselves to agriculture by practicing ten main trades. U parmentu or grape pressing is one of these and can be seen during the festival 'Iamu i rughi rughi accumpagnati' which takes place in August in Marcedusa. The ritual began in the elegant cellars, inflating the barrels with water to make the wood smell good. The whole family was involved in the harvest together with the rugheri or tampers. In rhythm they pressed the grapes barefoot as bunches were added to the vat. With the faith and the blessing of God to whom we prayed at each harvest, the perfume of the must spread through the streets of Marcedusa so that everyone would be happy. At the sacrifice of man bread, cold cuts and old wine, cooked wine for Christmas desserts some time will await.