Saluda welcomes Italian student visitors, strengthens Sister City bonds with Carunchio

Nora Criscio, Marta Pignatelli, enjoy local hospitality

SALUDA—During the last two weeks, the Saluda community has hosted two student visitors from their sister city in Carunchio, Italy, showcasing its hospitality and unique charm.

Four Saludians have opened their homes to the Italian students, while ten additional families volunteered to introduce them to cultural events and local attractions. The students expressed interest in experiencing various aspects of life in Saluda and the surrounding area, including visits to barbecue restaurants and exploring shopping destinations.

The student visitors, Nora Criscio and her friend, Marta Pignatelli, enjoyed a visit to Lake Norman hosted by Judy Ward, who, for years, ran Thompson’s Store in Saluda. Nora also served Italian Foccacia, donated by Wildflour Bakery, at the Community Table Dinner, which organizers say had its largest crowd ever. Marta, who plays guitar, joined the music group that played at the dinner.

Nora Criscio, one of the student visitors from Italy, served Italian Foccacia at the recent Community Table Dinner. (Submitted by Judy Thompson)

Each restaurant in Saluda provided a free meal to the visitors, who also received complimentary tickets from The Gorge Zip Line, Flat Rock Playhouse, Biltmore House, and more. Saluda resident Rav Smith also took them on glider flights.

The entire Saluda community participated to make their visit amazing. The goal was to create lasting memories and provide a deeper understanding of the Saluda community during their stay from July 10 to July 26.

Nora is the oldest daughter of Massimo Criscio, who owns the Palazzo, where the Sister City tours take place. Massimo has always extended his hospitality to Saluda visitors by providing free accommodations, food, cooking lessons, and tours in Abruzzo to teachers and students from Saluda.

Saluda Sister City also announced a new trip to the 2025 Flower Festival in Carunchio, Italy. Scheduled for June 2025, this trip will offer Saluda travelers and friends an opportunity to participate in the annual Flower Festival, interact with residents, and immerse themselves in all that the Palazzo has to offer for a special Sister City price.

The Sister City relationship between Saluda, NC, and Carunchio, Italy, established in 2015, continues to flourish. Both towns share striking similarities in population, dynamics, altitude, and latitude. The elementary schools in both cities are actively engaged in cultural exchange activities, fostering friendships, artistic expression, and the sharing of experiences through various mediums, including books, letters, drawings, videos, and stories.

For inquiries about the 2025 Flower Festival trip, interested parties are encouraged to contact Judy Thompson at jdt@jdthompsonlaw.com .

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