Alvador Ecovillage is a communal living project started by a group of friends who were actively involved in politics in Reggio Emilia. In 2015, Silvia, Sara, Federico, Giovanni, and other young idealists gave life to Alvador—a community project born from their desire to turn their political fights into tangible, everyday actions.

The first challenge they chose to tackle was rethinking food, which they called "food resistance." This concept was about growing and producing food independently, with a deep commitment to respecting the environment. So they moved to the hills of Emilia, where they began self-producing not only food but also soaps, cleaning products, and cosmetics.

Beyond self-production, the group also started a small craft workshop, working with materials like wood and fabric and rediscovering traditional crafts such as basket weaving and chair caning. The goal is not only to create useful goods but also to revive local traditions that are at risk of being lost.

Living in Alvador: One Big Family

Alvador is a community project born from the need to question the capitalist model of modern society and to fight together for ecological and social justice. Life at Alvador is much more than just living somewhere. Everything is based on a profound concept of sharing—spaces, resources, time, and ideas are all put at the service of the community.

Currently, Alvador is home to five adults and three children, all of whom have embraced a lifestyle that not only reduces their environmental impact but also allows them to live in harmony with nature and each other. Walking the village paths means stepping into a reality where collaboration is key to facing daily challenges, and where every member feels part of an extended family.

Everyday Life: Work and Learning

There are no rigid schedules at Alvador. The day follows the natural rhythm of the environment and the activities needed to keep the community in balance. Mornings are spent working in the fields, tending to the communal veggie garden and caring for the animals. Each resident contributes with their own work, which is not seen as a burden but as an opportunity for growth and sharing.

Afternoons are for workshops and learning activities—whether it's woodworking or self-production, every activity is an opportunity to learn from others and share one’s own knowledge. Sharing knowledge is a fundamental part of Alvador's philosophy, which aims to be as self-sufficient as possible.

The Guiding Principles of Alvador

Alvador serves as a practical inspiration for building a greener and fairer future. Life here is guided by three core principles: simplicity, sustainability, and solidarity.

The inhabitants believe that it is possible to live well with less, minimizing waste and maximizing the quality of relationships. Simplicity is a conscious choice embraced by community members to strip away the unnecessary and give value to what truly matters—the land, people, and time.

Sustainability at Alvador is approached holistically, considering its environmental, social, and economic dimensions. This commitment is reflected in the use of natural materials for building homes using eco-building techniques, in the adoption of renewable energy, and in respecting the land through organic farming practices.

Lastly, solidarity is expressed through daily support, whether during work in the fields or by offering emotional support during difficult times.

Alvador's Economic Model

Alvador's economic model is based on self-sufficiency and sharing. Most of the goods consumed are produced directly on-site, reducing dependence on external sources.

The residents practice self-production of food, energy, and essential goods. Each member contributes according to their skills—some tend to the gardens, some teach the children in the homeschool, while others maintain the structures. Any surplus is exchanged with other ecovillages or sold at local markets, creating a small economic flow that ensures the sustainability of the project.

The Decision-Making Model at Alvador

Making decisions together isn’t always easy, but in Alvador, it's the foundation of everything. For this community, transparency and dialogue are fundamental values for maintaining a calm and collaborative environment.

Decisions are made through a participatory process, with regular meetings where everyone can voice their opinions and feel valued and involved in the evolution of the project. These meetings are crucial moments for the people of Alvador, where they resolve any conflicts and plan new goals to continue growing together.

Sustainability and Back to the Roots

At Alvador, sustainability is at the center of every activity. Homes are built following eco-building principles, using natural materials like wood and clay. Energy for the village is produced by solar panels, and rainwater is collected and used to irrigate the gardens.

The inhabitants strive to minimize their environmental impact, adopting practices like composting and upcycling waste materials. Living in Alvador means embracing a lifestyle where the land is cared for, respected, and treated as an integral part of the community.

Permaculture: A Regenerative Approach

Permaculture is one of the foundations on which the Alvador project is built. This cultivation method not only allows the production of healthy, natural food but also aims to regenerate the soil, creating a more fertile and resilient environment.

The people of Alvador are constantly working to improve soil quality, using techniques that mimic natural processes and strive to achieve a balance between humans and the natural environment. At Alvador, permaculture is more than just an agricultural technique—it is a philosophy of life, encouraging systemic thinking and leading members to consider the long-term effects of their actions.

The Social Dimension: Sharing to Grow

At Alvador, the social aspect is essential. The community is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed and part of something meaningful. Evenings are often dedicated to celebrations, with shared dinners, music, or themed gatherings where they discuss visions and future projects.

These moments of sharing are important for strengthening bonds and ensuring everyone feels like an essential part of a big family. Living in Alvador also means facing the challenges of communal life, but with the awareness that mutual support makes every difficulty lighter and every challenge an opportunity for growth.

In a Nutshell

Alvador Ecovillage, a small community in the province of Reggio Emilia, offers a true alternative to modern living. It is a return to the land, community, and the authenticity of human relationships. Every aspect of life in Alvador is designed to be sustainable—from resource management to the decision-making model—making it an inspiration for a greener and fairer future. Living in Alvador is a bold choice, but those who are part of this community know they’d never want to go back.