Italian village celebrates first birth in 8 years

The inhabitants of Italy’s smallest village are celebrating their newest addition, Denis. He is the first baby born in 8 years in that mountainous village. Denis was born in Alessandro Manzoni hospital in Lecco, weighing 2.6kg. His parents Mateo and Sara followed the Italian tradition of placing a blue ribbon to announce the birth of their baby boy. It is the first time such a ribbon has been seen in the village since 2012, when a baby girl was born.

“It wasn’t easy to be pregnant during a pandemic,” Sara had said to Corriere, the Italian news agency. “You were unable to go out or go and see loved ones.” She said there would be a party once the family returns from the hospital. “We will welcome everyone with open arms … It’s exciting that my little one will be among the inhabitants of Morterone, and increasing, even if only slightly, the population.”

The Guardian reported that The population of Morterone, a mountainous community in Lombardy, became 29, after the birth of Denis earlier this week. It had been 28 until Sunday, ever since the death of Invernizzi’s father.

Morterone is Italy smallest municipality because of its population. Denis’ birth is a welcome addition to Italy’s declining birth rate. Last year saw its lowest number of babies born at 4,20,170.