On a recent summer evening in the charming town of Forlimpopoli, Esperienza founder Anna Bonavita was presented with the Marietta Ad Honorem award by the distinguished Casa Artusi Foundation, on behalf of Esperienza. Below are her reflections about receiving this award.
“I accepted the award, knowing someone was able to see the budding potential in our non-profit Esperienza and decided to give it more visibility. Because in a way, our work is just starting to unfold.
“And apart from the validation and recognition that came with the award, it gave me the unique opportunity to bring together our incredible network of chefs, musicians, artists, farmers, volunteer experts and supporters in Romagna for a celebration. Together with the Esperienza staff and volunteers in America, they are beginning to make a profound difference we never could have imagined. A difference that affects all, travelers and locals alike. We are truly transforming tourism into a force for good, and even in these turbulent times, catching glimpses of happiness.
“And while I know our work has just begun I cannot help but share with you how rewarding it has been for everyone involved. Not only are we a community with shared values and dreams, we have had such a good time falling in love with Romagna …
Laughing with volunteer pasta teachers (Mariette) and learning the right moves with the heavy rolling pin at the one and only Casa Artusi.
Crying with joy and emotion while listening to the music of Ciuma and Adele in their hand-built house at the end of a remote rural road.
Hearing Dante speaking English while accompanied by live violin to bring us closer to Divine Comedy, thanks to Vitaliana Pantini, an author and actress from Ravenna.
Studying the rustic valleys of pre Apeninnes for living treasures with Lia Cortese, the volunteer president of Slow Food Romagna.
Going in-depth in Faenza and Valmarecchia with Alena Bondarchuk, a relentless supporter of Esperienza from its very beginning.
Walking the Cammino di San Francesco with our incredible guide Alessia Ghirardi who (not unlike Dante’s Beatrice) leads us up and down toward new spiritual heights.
Dancing “Liscio,” the famous traditional dance in Romagna with the young members of Gruppo Folk Italiano alla Casadei di Bruno Malpassi.
Coming closer to the spirit of Pennabilli led by tireless local enthusiast Alessandra Moretti.
Listening to the live, spontaneous poetry of Luigi Cappella, the not-so-retired doctor who is also a hiker, a dancer, and an author.
And so much more. The only way to truly know it is to experience it yourself!
In spite of this exhaustive list of experiences and people, all our accomplishments could be summed with a short, simple sentence, shared in a blog post written by a traveler after her journey with Esperienza in 2022. The writer joyfully confessed:
‘Being with Esperienza in Romagna, I learned I could be happy again.’
Wishing you good travel companions along the way…in Romagna we have found many.
It is The Esperienza Way.”
Honorary Marietta Award Presentation: June 28, 2025
“The city of Forlimpopoli, upon recommendation of the Casa Artusi Scientific Committee, presents the Award to Anna Bonavita for her significant commitment to promoting slow and authentic tourism, which fosters awareness of the small villages of Romagna and the experience of Italian and Artusi cuisine abroad.
Anna Bonavita, a former scientist living in Minneapolis, loves and understands Italian cuisine and culture. She founded Esperienza Italia, a non-profit organization through which she accompanies small groups of Americans to discover Italy and the region's cultural and food and wine excellence, including Casa Artusi.”
