Bari pasta makers protest amid authenticity allegations
In the Italian city of Bari, women have been protesting the handmade production and sale of orecchiette pasta. The strike was in response to media suggestions questioning the authenticity of their products.
8:22 AM EST, November 18, 2024
Bari, located in the Apulia region, is renowned for its traditional pasta. One of the unique attractions of the historic city centre is the fresh, homemade orecchiette sold directly on its streets and alleys. The pasta, whose name means "little ears," is made in the homes of many families. Its production and sale are integral parts of the local culture and tradition, attracting tourists worldwide.
Opposition to media reports
On Sunday, November 17th, protests continued in Bari by women involved in the handmade production and sale of this pasta. The Italian women closed their homes and stands.
The organized protests were a reaction to allegations in various media, including social media, that the pasta is not homemade but rather produced industrially. Additionally, claims that their kitchens do not meet hygiene standards were met with outrage from the local women.
The most famous hostess in Bari, Nunzia, firmly denies all accusations. "There is no fraud. Orecchiette is specially dried; we have to do this because it's a matter of hygiene. Tourists take them to Paris and America, so they must be dry so they don't spoil during travel. Otherwise, they could mold," she explains.
Italian women fight for their reputation
The protesting women emphasize that they only want to work in peace, continuing a tradition passed down from generation to generation.
The Mayor of Bari, Vito Leccese, addressed the situation, noting that the city authorities wish to protect cultural heritage and support those who nurture it. "The famous street where the pasta is made and sold is an extraordinary tourist attraction," he emphasized, as quoted by local media.
