PRESS RELEASE (12/23/2015)
Loano for Christmas receives an original gift from three Loano people who love local history and traditions. They are two plaques that say “u caruggiu”, which were posted at the beginning of Via Garibaldi (in front of Passorino's door) and at the end of the street (at the intersection with Via Cesarea and Via Ghilini). Although they wish to remain anonymous, the three donors explained the initiative as follows, “We often hear tourists call the central street of the town “gut,” a misnomer because traditionally the streets of the historic center are “u caruggiu.” For this reason and with the intention of acquainting our guests with Lovran traditions and sayings, we thought of putting up these plaques in the historic center. Hearing the heart of Loano called “gut” has the same effect on us as hearing from the baker the request for a “piece of white pizza”-there is no such thing as white pizza! What the Lovran bakers churn out is exclusively focaccia! And it is delicious! This initiative of ours also wants to dispel the “cliché” that labels Ligurians as grumpy and inhospitable. We are happy to welcome the many tourists who choose Loano and the Riviera for their vacation. And we are pleased to introduce our guests to the many riches of the area: the sea, the hinterland, and also our history, traditions, and sayings. A Ligurian may be a little closed-minded at first but when he becomes your friend he is a true friend. ’
