Terra Madre Opening Ceremonies

6000 farmers, educators, chefs, youth and musicians from 153 countries sitting in Torino. Palpable hope fills the room as drums from each of the four directions begins. Dancers from Mamojado, a place I've never heard of, come out in masks, feathers and maybe 50 cowbell-like bells attached to their back enter.

Then the flag procession. The ultimate equalizer of nations. One nation, one flag. Alphabetically. Iraq marching in right next to Iran. The delegation of Mali sitting near me. They stand as their flag passes by. Huge applause for Mexico. Separate flags for the United Peoples of America and the United States of America. And finally, Zimbabwe.

The Nations of Terra Madre.

The third gathering of food communities begins.