His name is Pablo and he is the first new resident of a small, sleepy Italian town of Ostana in 28 years.
Born in a hospital in nearby Turin, he was welcomed back as his hometown’s 85th resident with a great celebration.
“At first I couldn’t believe it was true,” town Mayor Giacomo Lombardo told CNN. “The news almost shocked me. It’s a dream come true.”
Only half of the town’s population are permanent residents and Pablo’s family: father Josè Berdugo Vallelago, mother Silvia Rovere and sisters Clara and Alice make up 10% of this number.
Ostana’s population has continued to slump over the past few decades. A century ago, there were more than a thousand residents but by the 80s only five people were permanent residents. “The decline accelerated during the 1970s, and the last baby was born in 1987,” said Mayor Lombardo.
Searching for adventure, finding home
Pablo’s family first planned to relocate to the French Island, Reunion, but when they got the chance to manage a ski resort in Ostana, they grabbed the opportunity and didn’t look back.
“We love challenges,” said Josè, a 36-year-old physiotherapist who was born in Madrid, Spain. “Five years ago, we decided to leave Turin and change our life. When the city selected our project, we moved to Ostana, and we have never regretted our decision,” Josè told CNN. “We love the quality of the life here. Ostana is a safe place for our daughters, and we feel part of this community.”
Ostana is just one of Italy’s more than 6,000 ghost towns with dwindling populations which has been attributed to the younger generation seeking to study and work elsewhere hoping for bettter opportunities.
For two decades, the town has been battling depopulation by investing in cultural development and creating attractive job opportunities.
Ostana’s residents hope that the model stork built to commemorate baby Pablo’s birth will herald the arrival of more babies.
“We broke the ice,” said Pablo’s dad, Josè, “and I hope other people will come here.”
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