My grandfather, Edward Tedesco, was born in the small Calabrian community of San Pietro a Maida, Italy. It is an ancient town surrounded by lush green mountains covered with thousands of the most beautiful olive trees you have ever seen. So enchanting is the scenery that you can sit entranced for hours imagining how wonderful life is. But beyond this ambient serenity, few outside the region are aware that from these lovely family groves comes a rare secret olive oil that looks and tastes like godly nectar, and seems to make you feel happy! Yes, happy–happy to be there, to be alive, to feel and taste the exquisite culture. Oh, it is just another one of those small miracles, like a sublime epiphany, that reaffirms my commitment to Italian genealogy.
Whenever I return to San Pietro a Maida, known locally as Santu Piatru, it is a special experience. I stay with relatives, parenti who have adopted me as a close family member – much closer that any provable genealogical relationship. Around town, I am known as the “americana” with the grandfather from San Pietro a Maida. The term “italoamericana” (Italian American) has not really caught on in many places in Italy.
Everyday in San Pietro a Maida, I eat classic home-style Calabrian food my grandfather likely enjoyed in his youth – filatianni (local type of pasta); polpette (meatballs); eggplant parmesan; homemade sopressata (spicy salami) and so much more. Besides cooking amazing food, the Calabrian people have big hearts, caring souls, and are often willing to sacrifice half of their day to help you find a long-lost cousin.
San Pietro a Maida is the origin of my Tedesco surname as far back as the 1700’s. My name fits into place, as if my family never left. Nowhere else do I feel more proud of my Italian origins nor more connected to the terra (land/place) of my ancestors.
I can’t wait to return to San Pietro a Maida. I am grateful for the kind hospitality and love emanating from this very special Calabrian community.
-Mary M. Tedesco, ORIGINS ITALY
Susan Nelson
Mar 3, 2014
Your post makes me want to visit this quaint and homey village in Calabria! Nicely written…on my list.
admin
Mar 3, 2014
Many thanks, Susan! San Pietro a Maida is a lovely town – I feel completely at home every time I’m there! -Mary
Carol
Feb 15, 2015
I loved reading this! My grandparents were from San Pietro a Maida and I’ve found very few accounts of the area. Thank you, thank you for this snippet of their home 🙂
admin
Mar 12, 2015
Hi Carol,
That’s fantastic! It’s always a pleasure to connect with others with a connection to San Pietro a Maida!
All the best,
Mary Tedesco