Nonna Anna: Italy's Centenarian Barista Continues Crafting Coffee

In the picturesque village of Nebbiuno, located above Lake Maggiore, Nonna Anna Possi continues to uphold the tradition of Italian coffee-making at the age of 100. Each morning, she opens her 'Bar Centrale' at seven, serving locals and tourists alike, and has done so for over 65 years.

Despite her impressive longevity and dedication to her craft, the future of Italy's café culture is uncertain. Recent statistics from the national hotel and restaurant association, Fipe, reveal a troubling trend: there are now 132,000 café bars in Italy, a decline of 20,000 from a decade ago. The reasons for this downturn are multifaceted, including long working hours, low wages, and rising operational costs, which make the barista profession less appealing to younger generations.

Nonna Anna, affectionately referred to as 'grandma' by locals, embodies the spirit of community that Italian cafés represent. These establishments are more than just places to grab a coffee; they are social hubs where people gather to converse, unwind, and enjoy a meal or drink. Many patrons visit daily for their morning espresso or afternoon cappuccino, fostering a sense of camaraderie and connection.

Despite officially retiring at 60, Nonna Anna never truly stepped away from her beloved bar. For her, the café is not merely a job; it's a vital part of her life. She opens her doors every day of the year, including holidays, because she understands the importance of coffee in her community's daily routine.

Born in Vezzo, just a few kilometers from her café, Anna's journey began after World War II when she worked in a restaurant by Lake Geneva, where she met her late husband René. Together, they purchased the bar in the village center. Though René has been gone for decades, Anna continues to run the establishment mostly on her own, with occasional help from her daughter Cristina.

At her café, a simple espresso costs EUR1.20, while a cappuccino is priced at EUR1.50. On slow days, especially when tourists are absent, her earnings can be as low as EUR40, and her pension is just EUR590. Still, Anna finds joy in her work, valuing the social interactions and the community atmosphere over financial gain.

Reflecting on the changes in society, she notes a shift in how people interact. Once, customers would engage in conversation or play cards; now, many are absorbed in their smartphones. Yet, Anna remains resilient, often indulging in knitting during quieter moments.

In terms of health, she claims to be in good shape, attributing her longevity to a balanced approach to life. She takes a single half-tablet daily for her blood pressure but insists that moderation is key. Although she has few aspirations left, Anna expresses a wistful desire to revisit Paris, humorously stating that she believes the French struggle with coffee.

As for the future of 'Bar Centrale,' Anna is realistic. While she once hoped her daughter might take over, Cristina has chosen a different path. Anna acknowledges the challenges facing traditional cafés and the generational shift in priorities, but she continues to take each day as it comes, maintaining her beloved bar as a symbol of her life's work.