Created in the tone of a chronicle, the newspaper “La Voce di Zoldo” emerged as a humorous response to the discussions on the profile of the mayor of Val di Zoldo, Camillo De Pellegrin, on Facebook. The publication simulates a Sunday edition of a traditional mountain newspaper, dated March 23, 2025.
The initiative was prompted by comments from the mayor himself and his most active supporter, Alina Maier, a municipal employee. Together, they have been involved in long clashes with descendants of Italians born in Brazil, who question administrative decisions and citizenship. jus sanguinis.
The fictional edition features reports on the link between Val di Zoldo and Brazil, with emphasis on the campaign “Zoldo Ritrova the Roots” (“Zoldo finds his roots again”, in free translation). The proposal seeks to attract descendants of Italians interested in rediscovering their origins and, if they wish, establishing residence in the region.
There is also room for love stories, cultural reflections and questions of belonging. The text, written by Arthur Bossi, adopts the structure of a local newspaper, with an affectionate tone and accessible language.
The document describes the current reality of Val di Zoldo, a town in the Italian Dolomites that is facing depopulation. With schools closed and businesses in decline, the community is trying to reverse this situation by relying on its historic ties with Brazil.
The project includes a bilingual website with information on genealogy, roots tourism and practical advice for living in the mountains. Local families and volunteers will help integrate new residents, who will also have easier access to buying property and opening small businesses.
The goal, according to Mayor Camillo “Tedesco” – in the fictional newspaper –, is to form a network of authentic relationships, focusing on preserving traditions and strengthening community life.
By mixing memory, local politics and irony, “La Voce di Zoldo” presents itself as an elegant satire, but also as a tribute to the Zoldan identity.
Download as PDF: Zoldo's Voice
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