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BaitoneAlpino Suggests: Giazza

Giazza (known as Ljetzan in the Cimbrian language) is a hamlet within the municipality of Selva di Progno, in the province of Verona. It is the only remaining locality among the ancient Tredici Comuni (Thirteen Municipalities) of the Lessinia region where the Cimbrian language is still spoken. This is a Germanic dialect (of Southern Bavarian origin) brought by a group of settlers of Teutonic descent who established themselves in the area during the medieval period. Giazza is home to the Cimbrian Museum, a facility built by the Lessinia Mountain Community in the 1970s to document the history, language, and culture of the Cimbrian people. The village is also renowned for its vast and beautiful state-owned forest—covering 1,904 hectares and extending into the neighboring municipalities of Ala (Trento) and Crespadoro (Vicenza). Officially established in 1911, the forest offers various trails and hiking routes for those seeking the tranquility of nature. The Cimbrian community is deeply committed to preserving its traditions; if you happen to be in the area around the summer solstice on June 23rd, do not miss the Festa del Fuoco (Festival of Fire) This event brings together Indo-European and Celtic rituals that celebrate the power of fire and light, as well as that of water and the earth.