The region of Calabria offers a huge range of choises to who appreciates all forms of art. Indeed its handicraft is deeply rooted in Mediterranean tradition and derives directly from the culture of Magna Gracia. As a consequence the products from Calabria are very unique considering technique used to work them, their form and funcionality. In times past, the "fiumare", the only ways connecting the inner areas, were unpracticable in winter because of the rivers' floods. Isolated and unable to trade, the people were consequently forced to produce autonomally to face the everyday needs. Nowadays the same spur is still alive and that explains why the Calabrese craftsmen keep following the rules of their tradition. The technology and the systems of production have not changed a lot in the long run because craftsmen’s tools are very similar to those used 2000 years ago. The art of weaving may be the most ancient activity in Calabria. Indeed in the inner villages you can find weavers working in accordance with tradition. Local tapestry, embroidery, pillow-lace, silk and damask are very valuable. However in Calabria the mulberry growing was one of the most blooming activities in the early twentieth century, at the present time it persists almost only in Scilla. Neverthless the so called “vancali” of Tiriolo and the multicoloured fabric (pezzare) of Samo are very famous and much in demand. In Brogagnuro and Melissa the local artisan masters work the heather roots to obtain the precious briar of Aspromonte and create the famous blazed pipes to collect. Do not forget the wrought iron and the copper of Serra San Bruno, the golden and silver products of Crotone, the glass of Bagnara, the wicker and straw items of San Giorgio Morgeto, Cosenza, Soriano Calabro, Delianuova, Polistena, Vibo Valentia ans Gallico. The production of ceramics and earthenware, whose origin dates back to the Neolithic Age, is influenced by the folk-art, the Greek and Roman culture as the objects found in the archaelogical excavations of Sibari show us. The clay is worked by hand on pedal lathes and baked in stoves by tradition. Very picturesque items are the little statues or the puppets representing grigants and water-carriers who show the ancient arts and crafts in the crib. Since the remote ages the richness of wood, thanks to the forests of Sila and Aspromonte, has allowed the development of woodwork which is very rooted in the tradition. One of the more interesting examples of this form of art is the so called “art of shepherds”. The tecqnique has never changed in the long run and craftsmen still prefer carving by hand rather than using modern machines. A very typical activity is the production of high-quality musical instruments such as those by lute-markers from Bisignano and the pipes from San Luca and Platì. The culture of Calabria has been strongly influenced by the customs and the dietary habits of the various peoples who conquered and inhabited the region in the past. The traditional confectionery activity is very blooming. One of the most delicious cakes are the so called “mustaccioli” which are made of flour and honey and have the form of fishes, carts, horses and flowers. The growing and the working of citrus fruits is one of the most important and profitable activities of the region. It is enought to say that the bergamot is produced only in a strict area on the sea in the province of Reggio Calabria and is the main ingredient in the best perfumes. Salami and salted meats not only are the other precious typical Calabrese products but also usually home-made. We recommend the so called “soppressata” and “ ‘nduja” to who likes a strong or spicy taste.