Reviving a Forgotten Hometown: How Technology Can Elevate Tradition and Drive Sustainability
Florence. It’s impossible not to have heard of the cradle of the Renaissance, the birthplace of some of the greatest artists of all time, and the most beautiful city in the world.
It’s easy to remember big names and famous landmarks, but what about all the other smaller cradles of beauty scattered across Tuscany? Among these, there is my hometown, Prato. Rich in history and traditions, Prato is a unique blend of cultural heritage, daily life, and artistic expression. Its symbol is the Cathedral, a masterpiece created by Donatello and Michelozzo. But we mustn’t forget the beauty of everyday life here: historical shops, culinary delights, and textile craftsmanship, where you can taste the most typical Tuscan dishes or immerse yourself into the world of textiles. So, Prato isn’t that bad after all.
Prato is mainly known for three things: the Sacred Girdle, its textile industry, and the Chinese community. Yes, you read that right. In our town of about 195,000 inhabitants, 30% are of Chinese origin. That’s quite something. Don’t get me wrong when I talk about this; I love being immersed in a culture unfamiliar to mine just by taking a walk, being able to try foods completely different from what I’m used to, and how sometimes it feels like I’m walking down a typical Chinese street when, in reality, I’m just a five minute walk from my old high school. But not everyone feels the same way. There’s the fear of the new and the different. Fears that live in the hearts of many – especially those who left everything behind trying to create a future in Italy and those who feel they’ve lost everything, from their homes to their jobs, to people who came from far, far away. Communication. That would be the key to everything. But how do we make two communities that don’t even speak the same language communicate? Thankfully, we live in the 21st century, and technology is there to help us. There are so many devices that could facilitate translation between two different languages, like advanced translation apps that instantly convert spoken or written words into text or speech in the other language. Imagine walking into a Chinese supermarket and being able to communicate effortlessly, without the usual misunderstandings that come from language barriers. This may seem like nothing much but trust me, it would make a world of difference. Additionally, we could also develop digital platforms where both communities can share their stories and cultural traditions in order to encourage dialogue and the creation of a new and integrated relationship.
Besides being known for one of the largest Chinatowns in Europe, Prato is also famous for its textile industry and the large number of factories on its territory. I’d like to introduce this concept with an anecdote my mother told me some years ago. Before the 2000s, something used to happen that would now make anyone shudder. Before continuing I must inform you that Prato is crossed by a river, the so-called Bisenzio. Back then, there were no laws, no enforcement, nothing to stop the factories from washing all the fabrics they produced in the free river water. In doing so, they were obviously discharging various toxic substances. So every day, the river’s water changed color. Sometimes green, sometimes reddish, other times purple. Always colorful. I don’t think I need to tell you that this was far from harmless, both to us and to the environment. Fortunately, things have improved a lot these days, but the pollution caused by this valley of factories is still far too much. I know you’re all asking yourself the same question: could technology help? The answer is absolutely yes. For example, smart water management systems could be installed in textile factories to monitor and reduce water usage, allowing us to not only recycle water and reduce pollution, but also to maintain the beauty of our natural surroundings.
Finally, I’d like to tell you about the most important and valuable attraction: the Sacred Girdle. Also known as the ‘Belt brought by the Virgin Mary,’ the Sacred Girdle is one of the fundamental relics of the Catholic faith. The display of the Sacred Girdle happens five times each year, and if we’re lucky enough, the Pope comes to show it to the faithful. As you can imagine, this event draws an insane amount of tourists, especially pilgrims, from all over Europe. It’s challenging for a citadel not used to handling large crowds to organize people, to plan escape routes, to manage access to the city center, and everything else that comes with an event of this magnitude. Fortunately, we have technology on our side. With smart and eco-friendly tourism technologies, Prato could not only enhance the visitor experience but also promote sustainability in a meaningful way. Crowds could be managed with applications that guide tourists to local attractions or sustainable businesses, based on real-time data, even offering virtual tours for those who can’t be there in person.
To conclude, although my heart belongs to Florence, my hometown is pretty magical too. But it has the potential to be even better. Embracing technology in the right way could improve everything, from honoring our traditions to protecting our stunning environment. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future. Let’s grow together, alongside Prato.
Gaia Verzelli on 27/08/2024