BORGATA SALA
Borgata* Sala, located in the city of Giaveno, province of Turin, is a vibrant rural community with approximately 2,500 residents.
The name “Sala” may derive from an ancient Lombard settlement, where the term referred to the manor house of the Curtis, which was the center for collecting the goods owed to the master. The “sale” were responsible for collecting the tertia, a tribute corresponding to one-third of the harvest, required by the aristocracy from the subjugated Italian peasants. However, it should be noted that the term could also simply mean “country house,” reflecting the area’s original agricultural nature.
The village offers a network of hiking trails that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the surrounding natural beauty, among forests, alpine meadows, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. It is an ideal place for nature lovers and those seeking peace and serenity in rejuvenating walks. The numerous farms in the area help preserve the culinary tradition of the region, with many prominent products, including various cheeses, cured meats, and vegetables.
Like many other rural communities, Borgata Sala celebrates its cultural traditions through popular festivals, fairs, and events related to rural life and agriculture. In this sense, “Gli Amis d’la Sala” association plays a central role in the social and community environment, promoting interaction among residents.
*Borgata means hamlet/block
“Gli Amis d’la Sala” association was born in 2022 from the initiative of a group of friends from Borgata Sala in Giaveno with the aim of restore the traditions of the hamlet but in a modern way. The objectives pursued by the association are those outlined in Article 9 of the Italian Constitution, which aim at the enhancement and protection of the landscape and social heritage of our country. Among the priorities are the social development of the inhabitants, the territorial and gastronomic promotion of the area, the improvement of the quality of life through the concrete actions in the hamlet, and the development of recreational activities. The association is composed of young people from Giaveno who are eager to create, have fun, and do something concrete for their territory. Despite the young age of its members, the association consists of young people who have already gained experience in the social sector, with various experiences in service to the local “Proloco”, the association of the “Palio delle Borgate”, local sports associations, and the parishes of San Giacomo and San Lorenzo. The association collaborates also with a splendid reality of Borgata Sala, namely the Giacinto Pacchiotti kindergarten, which always receives special attention and particular consideration in its events.
The patron saint’s feast of San Giacomo and the Christmas concert in 2022 marked the start of the association’s activities, with a great response from the community, managing to bring together many people and reach over 100 members. In 2023, the feast of San Giacomo saw the participation of many people from Giaveno and from almost all the municipalities in the province of Turin (over 2000 attendees over the three evenings). Three fantastic evenings where music, good food, and fun (for both adults and children) took center stage.
In September of the same year, “Gli Amis d’la Sala” organized the first “Turna si: la Passeggiata enogastronomica della Gran Turna”, an Enogastronomic Walk in Borgata Sala, an event that brought together over 300 people to discover the beauty and flavors of the hamlet and local farms. Significant presences from distant municipalities testified to the fact that the event created aroused the interest of many people from outside who did not yet know our beautiful hamlet. In November 2023, the Hogwarts-themed dinner saw the participation of over 200 people; 2023 has been an important year that symbolizes that when the desire to create and innovative ideas meet serious and meticulous organization, success is almost assured.
“Gli Amis d’la Sala” association is already perceived as an integral part of the society of Borgata Sala, as evidenced by the growing memberships, as well as the reputation of the association, the ideas for upcoming events, and the requests for collaboration from the commercial activities of Borgata Sala and Giaveno.
