Vivi il Fiume

Vivi il Fiume: The Ofanto River takes center stage in Monteverde

In the heart of Alta Irpinia, where Campania borders Puglia and Basilicata, the Ofanto River flows nestled between woods, gravel beds, and wide bends. It is here that every summer the Municipality of Monteverde, in the province of Avellino, hosts Vivi il Fiume, a day entirely dedicated to discovering the waterway and its valley. The initiative was born from the canoeing association CanoAufidus, supported by the Monteverde Pro Loco, the municipal administration, and other local organizations such as UISP and the Bike 3 group. The organizers' stated goal is twofold: to promote the river as a tourist and sporting resource while simultaneously raising awareness about its protection and water conservation.

Canoeing, trekking, and cycling

The formula is simple and intentionally open to everyone, even those who have never paddled before. Those with experience can tackle a stretch of the Ofanto accompanied by the canoers from CanoAufidus; beginners can try out the canoes provided by the association and learn the basic strokes in complete safety. Those who prefer to stay dry can choose trekking or mountain biking along the trails that lead from the riverbanks up toward the forest, guided by Pro Loco volunteers.

• Canoe descent on a stretch of the Ofanto, with instructors in tow
• Paddle baptism for those who have never been in a canoe
• Hiking excursion on the trails of the Foresta Mezzana
• Mountain bike route along the forest roads
• Convivial lunch at the forest lodge, with music and dancing
• Visit to the historic center of Monteverde in the afternoon

Foresta Mezzana, the green heart of the day

The natural stage for the event is the Foresta Mezzana, a regional forest of Campania that spans approximately 456 hectares in the territory of Monteverde, between 250 and 600 meters above sea level, right along the edge of the Ofanto. The woodland alternates native broadleaf trees—turkey oak, downy oak, maple, flowering ash, service tree—with conifers and eucalyptus introduced during old reforestation projects, while broom flowers color the undergrowth. The fauna is typical of the southern Apennines: wild boars, badgers, foxes, and birds of prey such as buzzards and owls; in the wetlands and along the banks, the nesting of the rare black stork has even been reported. Exploring it by bike or on foot on an August morning is the best way to understand why this corner of Irpinia is so little known and yet so surprising.

Monteverde, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy

Perched at an altitude of 740 meters and inhabited by a few hundred people, Monteverde is part of the Borghi più belli d'Italia (Most Beautiful Villages of Italy) circuit. An episcopal seat since the 11th century and a fiefdom of the Grimaldi family between 1532 and 1641, it preserves a castle that dominates the valley and an urban layout of alleys and arches that has remained almost intact. The afternoon visit to the historic center, included in the day's program, allows visitors to conclude the excursion with a look at the town's history, its castle, and the museum dedicated to Irpinian emigration.

A community gathering

Vivi il Fiume is not a race: there are no rankings or stopwatches. It is rather a community day, which over the years has seen participation grow to over 150 hikers arriving from all over the province of Avellino and nearby Puglia. The most anticipated moment remains the lunch in the forest, when canoers, cyclists, and walkers gather around the same tables. The classic route runs from the Roman bridge on the Ofanto to the slopes of the Foresta Mezzana, with canoes, helmets, and equipment provided to those who need them.

How the day unfolds

The schedule followed in previous editions involves meeting in the main square of Monteverde around 9:00 AM for registration, transferring to the river in the Foresta Mezzana area at 9:30 AM, and starting the activities—canoeing, trekking, biking—at 10:00 AM. Around 1:00 PM, the group returns to the forest lodge for lunch with music, while the afternoon is dedicated to visiting the village. Sportswear, closed-toe shoes, a hat, and a supply of water are recommended.