Hailing from a few miles outside Zurich, Rita’s parents were part of a wave seeking a brighter future, much like many others during that era. Her father, in particular, traced his roots back to Matera. This conversation beautifully underscores the powerful role memory plays in shaping our present. Vivid recollections surface: car journeys crammed together down the peninsula, a dialect that sparked intrigue, and above all, the Festa della Bruna, a celebration deeply intertwined with her father’s figure. Years later, she finally had the chance to fully immerse herself in what’s known as “the longest day of the people of Matera.” She recounts the experience meticulously, each stage unfolding like a tale that strengthens her connection to the city, and in turn, to her father.