The Craco Society proudly
invites people interested in visiting the
historic southern Italian hill town of Craco and
the Province of Matera to register for our
inaugural Craco Trip June 14-21, 2008.
The week-long event opens
with an informal cocktail reception on Saturday
evening, followed by a visit to Craco with a
meeting at the historic monastery of the
Observant Friars of St. Peter. On Tuesday, the
group will again return to Craco and visit Craco
Peschiera. Friday evening, the last night of
the Society's trip, will be highlighted by a
group event in Craco. There is plenty of free
time to explore the region, its people and your
heritage.
See
Craco and its people
This trip provides a unique
opportunity to see Craco and meet its current
residents- maybe even long lost family!
Everyone attending will leave the session with
an information packet about the town, and have
an opportunity to see the land that nurtured
generations of ancestors. There will be plenty
of time to share information, pictures,
addresses and stories with your “Cracotan”
cousins.
Interested? Read the trip
details below and begin making your plans. A
brochure with a detailed itinerary and
registration form will follow shortly.
Traveling to Italy & Craco:
In an effort to keep costs as
low as possible and to allow for maximum
flexibility for our members who wish to travel
before or after our organized events, trip
participants will make their own travel and
accommodation arrangements. The Craco Society
has researched local options and proudly offers
discounted accommodation rates at the Magna
Grecia Village Resort in Metaponto. For an easy
airport transfer, the Craco Society suggests
arrival at the Bari, Italy airport as the resort
offers shuttle pick up from this airport.
The Bari airport is served by
many European airlines, including budget
airlines such as RyanAir. Connections from
overseas are easily arranged through Rome,
Milan, Venice or other European cities. Expect
about a 1.5 hour ride to the resort from the
airport. For those arriving in Rome or other
cities, the Italian railway system is highly
efficient and the station in Metaponto is
virtually across the street from the resort.
You may also consider a rental car as the
Italian roadways are well marked and easy to
navigate.
Where to Stay Near Craco:
Magna Grecia Village has
provided us with a special of rate of 54
Euros per
person double occupancy for full board
(breakfast, lunch & dinner included). This
resort has its own beach shuttle, sports
activities, pool, entertainment and other resort
amenities included in the price. Booking can be
made directly with the resort at: www.magnagreciavillage.com or by phone at 39-0835-745661.
A deposit will be required with settlement on
arrival. Single supplement is 20%. Children
receive discounted rates. Hotel style rooms as
well as larger apartments and villas are
available. The special Craco Society rate is
valid only for a limited time, so act quickly!
Craco Society Group Gatherings:
Craco Society gatherings will
be held at several locations including the Magna
Grecia Village and the town of Craco.
Transportation to Craco will be provided from
the Magna Grecia Village for all Society
sponsored events. Anyone staying at another
facility will need to provide their own
transport to meeting sites.
Sightseeing
Options
Lounging by the
pool/beach or playing tennis not your thing?
Magna Grecia Village offers daily sightseeing
adventures to nearby places including Matera,
the Metaponto temple and museum and the
incredible trulli (beehive houses) in Puglia.
When not participating in Craco Society events,
you can choose your own adventures and book
directly with the resort or just enjoy the slow
paced resort lifestyle. Several quality golf
courses are also located nearby.
Count Me In!
What Do I Do?
Ready to commit to
the Craco 2008 trip? You can get there in three
steps:
-
Book your
flight to Italy. If you would like to use
the resort’s shuttle, be sure to book your
flight into Bari.
-
Book your
accommodations at Magna Grecia Village.
-
Send in your
payment for the Craco Society sponsored
events and transportation.
Within the Craco
Society, we have a wealth of information on
traveling to and within Italy. If you should
have any special requirements or need assistance
with locating services, please let us know. E
mail Lena Camperlengo:
lenacamperlengo@hotmail.com
or call 850-212-6993.
To download the travel brochure and
registration
form
in PDF format, click
here.
See you in Craco!
Events this Month in Craco:
Marzo
March
19 -
St. Joseph’s
Day
Saint Joseph’s
Day is celebrated by having large bonfires
–
the largest one in the piazza.
It is also customary to make fecazzolë
–
flat fried dough pieces
–
and bring these to the church to be offered to the poor people.
Pasqua:
March 20 -
Holy Thursday
It is customary to wash the disciples’ feet at
church.
March
21 - Good Friday
Good Friday always
commemorates the death of Jesus by the Processione.
It starts as two separate processions – one led by a statue of Jesus,
the other of Mary; the two processions will join in the piazza as a
symbol of Jesus meeting his mother as he carried the cross to his death.
Click
here
to view (and sing)
the Cracotan Good Friday chants that are sung during the Good Friday
Procession.
March 23 -
Easter Sunday
Easter
Sunday is a feast day. It is customary to eat hard boiled eggs and soppressata for antipasto, capretto or agnello will be served, always followed by a
dolce
- cake.
Children
will kiss the hands of the elders – elders will give hard boiled eggs or
money to children.
