Acquaviva Collecroce facts for kids

Acquaviva Collecroce (also known as Živavoda Kruč or Kruč) is a small town in southern Italy. It is located in the Molise region, between the Biferno and Trigno rivers. This town is part of the Campobasso province.

Acquaviva Collecroce is special because it is home to a group of people called Molisian Croats. They speak a unique Croatian dialect known as na-našo or naš jezik, which means "our language." They also speak Italian. This special language is considered to be in danger of disappearing.

The town is also known for growing small, dark figs called zerniza figs. People here also grow fennel and white celery.

History of Acquaviva Collecroce

In the 1100s, Acquaviva Collecroce was a base for the Knights of Malta. These were a group of knights who helped people.

There is some proof that Slavic people lived here in 1297. However, it is thought that today's residents are not from those early settlers. Instead, they likely came from later migrations in the 1400s and 1500s. These moves might have happened because the Ottoman Turks were invading the Balkans.

Many people from Acquaviva Collecroce left the town during the 1900s. The population has been getting smaller. For example, in 1951, about 2,500 people lived there. By 2007, there were only about 730 residents.

The first big wave of people leaving was from about 1900 to 1920. These people mainly went to the United States and Argentina. The second major wave happened in the 1950s, with many moving to Australia.

Culture and Traditions

Every year on May 1st, the town celebrates the Festa del Maja. During this festival, people parade a special puppet called the pagliara maja. This parade is a way to wish for a good harvest of crops.

See also

In Spanish: Acquaviva Collecroce para niños