As soon as we arrive in Avalon, we're greeted by Mario Cecchi, one of the founders of il Popolo degli Elfi (the Elves People). Avalon is the last village, built in '95, part of the broader community project of La Valle degli Elfi (the Valley of the Elves). The dream began in the '70s in the Italian Tuscany-Emilia Apennines, aiming to live closely with nature in the most self-sufficient way possible.

We took abandoned farmhouses from the post-war era and, with a bit of determination, we rebuilt them. Today, those same places, once heaps of stones, are cozy homes. The abandoned mountain has been repopulated, and 200 kids have been born here.

Mario shares. Today, the community of il Popolo degli Elfi (the people of the Elves) spans about 100 kilometers with 150 residents spread across 30 farmhouses, four of which are actual villages. Some are just 5 to 10 minutes apart, while others are up to an hour to an hour and a half away.

The Lifestyle and Values

At the core of the philosophy of gli Elfi is a profound respect for nature and a deep connection to it. The residents of La Valle degli Elfi believe that human well-being is closely tied to the balance of the surrounding environment, and vice versa. That’s why every day they carefully cultivate organic gardens, forage for medicinal herbs and wild fruits, always mindful of protecting biodiversity and local ecosystems.

Living like an “Elfo” means adopting a lifestyle free from societal conditioning and as simple as possible. The community values self-sufficiency through practices of DIY and recycling in all areas of communal life. For instance, they only use natural and reclaimed materials for building, rely minimally on electricity, use compost toilets, compost organic waste to fertilize their orchards, and grow their own vegetables, oil, and bread.

Additionally, Il Popolo degli Elfi also engage in craftsmanship. Both young and old cherish their manual skills to create unique items, adhering to the principles of the circular economy by reducing waste and promoting creative recycling of many materials.

The Economic System

Il Popolo degli Elfi have opted for a mixed economic model. This means there’s a common fund to cover the needs of all the villages, while each village manages a specific fund for its communal needs. Individual members' personal needs are left to their private economies. For example, some members work outside the community, participating in festivals or seasonal jobs, while others focus on small artisanal or agricultural activities within the village.

The Decision-Making System

After many years of spontaneous and unregulated coexistence, it was the influence of the younger members that pushed for the creation of shared agreements—simple but effective—to ensure a more harmonious and organized living environment. These agreements aren't rigid but serve as guidelines to maintain balance and respect within the community.
Il Popolo degli Elfi adopts a peer decision-making system facilitated by circle communication, a method that allows everyone to express themselves fairly and without hierarchies. This approach promotes open dialogue and mutual respect, creating a listening space where collective consensus and harmony are sought.

Benefits of Community Living in Avalon

Living in a community is pure magic for il Popolo degli Elfi! It not only helps reduce environmental impact but also brings numerous personal and social benefits. Imagine enjoying physical and mental well-being: a slower pace of life, healthy food, outdoor activities, constant connection with nature, and moments of meditation. All this in La Valle degli Elfi creates an inner harmony that makes the soul shine.

And what about sharing? Living in an ecovillage means getting daily support from other community members, always being able to count on your neighbours for a helping hand, whether it's to trade services, share tasks, or simply spend time together. And let’s not forget the continuous learning! In Avalon, every community member brings unique experiences and talents, generating a beautiful exchange of knowledge that creates constant mutual enrichment.

The Courage to Be Happy

Despite more people joining La Valle degli Elfi, prejudices against il Popolo degli Elfi and this way of life still exist. Riccardo, who has lived in Avalon for eleven years, reflects:

Many fear that community life is too difficult and radical, but I think the exact opposite: nowadays, it’s easier to live in a community than alone in the city. There are many forms of community where you can lead a normal life but of higher quality— socially and in relationships, with good food, shared education, and so much more. Of course, there are challenges, but it’s always worth it. The most important thing is to find the courage to be happy.

Il Popolo degli Elfi (the Elves People) represent a concrete example of how it’s possible to build a more sustainable, fair, and environmentally respectful society. Through their community life, they demonstrate that an alternative to the consumerist culture exists and is already achievable.

In a Nutshell

The project of La Valle degli Elfi (The Valley of Elves), an ecovillage stretching along the Italian Tuscany-Emilia Apennines, has been a model of communal living for over thirty years, now home to 150 people united by the desire to live in harmony with nature and each other. With its focus on ecology, self-production, and holistic well-being, il Popolo degli Elfi (the People of the Elves) shows us that everything’s possible!

If you’re looking for personal change and want to contribute to creating a more sustainable, fair, and nature-centered society, visiting La Valle degli Elfi will give you a healthy dose of inspiration and hope!