The small town of Montemitro, in the interior of the region of Molise, heard the bells ring again for a rare reason: the birth of a baby. Libero, son of Emanuela and Rocco, is the first born in the village in 10 years.
With a population of around 200, Montemitro is experiencing a serious demographic crisis. The population of the town, which is made up of a Croatian-speaking minority, has fallen by half in the last four decades. In the whole of Molise, around 32 residents have been lost since 2001, due to low birth rates, migration and a weakened economy.
Emanuela, the newborn's mother, returned to her hometown after living for many years in Brescia, in northern Italy. When she met her childhood friend Rocco again, they began a relationship, got married in a local ceremony and decided to open a butcher's shop, reviving an old family trade.
Libero was born last Tuesday (13), on the same day that Emanuela turned 40. As a sign of celebration, the church bells were rung, moving the community.
According to the family, the elderly women in the village have helped to make the baby's layette with pieces made by hand on a traditional loom still in use.
For Emanuela, returning to her village has changed her life. “In Montemitro, there is a real community. You are never alone,” she told ANSA. “It takes courage to stay here, but we are giving it our all.”
In addition to the birth, other changes have begun to emerge. A young man has opened an Airbnb-style accommodation, and foreigners — including Israelis, Brits and even a Norwegian — have bought homes in the village in the past year.
“This village makes you miss home because it’s good to live in a community. Our life is here,” Emanuela concluded.
