His sudden death, which occurred last August 16, after an accidental fall from a wall near the state road 295, had plunged Aritzo and the entire territory into despair. And at the funeral of Cesare Manca (55 years old), a volunteer who had been active for decades between the parish and social commitment, hundreds had reached the Barbagia town, just to embrace a family destroyed by grief. Who now, tries to get back on their feet by remembering their loved one, through the great generosity with which he welcomed tourists passing through Aritzo.
Open doors
For Manca, who had made friends all over the island since his youth, it had become a habit to host several visitors at home on the occasion of the chestnut festival. His way of making the essence of one of the most anticipated autumn events in Sardinia live, even to those who did not have great economic possibilities to stay in hotels and B&Bs.
Now, about four months after his death, his mother Maria Sulis (74) is ready to take up the baton. "Even though our family is still recovering from immense pain - says Sulis - for the Sagra this weekend we thought of offering Cesare's room to a couple who will be coming from Campidano. A way to revive the memory of my son, who loved to promote the image of Aritzo to everyone, inviting them to visit the beauties that surround us.
Aunt Maria says it with a hint of emotion, remembering her beloved son, even in the battle to overcome the obstacles of disability: "Although he was affected by physical problems that limited him in part also in his movements - says the woman - Cesare was always independent and available to commit himself not only at home, but also in several initiatives in the town. He had found a second home in the parish of San Michele and in many associations that animate Aritzo. Knowing that he has collected the esteem and love of everyone fills us with pride".
Disinterested gesture
For this reason, we are looking to a future that remembers his figure in more solidarity initiatives: "With the act of donating his room, we do not intend to seek publicity - adds the pensioner - but rather to continue to realize a small, great gesture, which helped Cesare to be happy by helping others. For him, reaching out to those who were experiencing difficulties was a reason for joy. And we will continue on this mission".
The church and the municipality
Even the parish priest Father Giovanni Zedda says he is "proud of the great gesture of generosity of the Manca family" remembering "the friend Cesare as a precious point of reference, but above all an example for everyone to never give up". Father Zedda traces a moving memory of his friend: "For him, generosity has always been stronger than anything, even disability, which has never affected his acts of charity towards the most needy". The mayor Paolo Fontana applauds "an initiative that pays homage to a great friend, who meant so much to all of us. For this reason we will commit to evaluating more initiatives in his memory, involving the entire population".