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words by Carol King

The town of Cisternino in Brindisi, Puglia has joined a growing list of places thought to be a haven that will survive the prophesied Armageddon on 21 December.

The day marks the end date of the ancient Mayan calendar, at which point the Mayans are said to have predicted . Cisternino is reported to be one of the locations – along with Martina Franca in Taranto, Bugarach in France, and Şirince in Turkey – which will survive the possible tragedy.

The survival theory stems from reports in the media regarding an ashram set up in 1979 by followers of the Indian guru Babaji, Shri Herakhan Baba. He is reported to have told his followers that Cisternino “will become an island” when the world ends, which persuaded many to move to the town. Members of the religious community will gather together on 21 December for a special meditation.

The president of Italian Babaji devotees, Settimo Catalano, has denied that the reports are true. He issued a statement saying: “It is absolutely certain that Babaji never spoke... about the Mayan prophecy. The movement of Babaji’s devotees in ������ý, which I represent as president, does not believe at all in an imminent end of the world on 21 December, 2012.”

The prophecy has led to more tourists visiting Cisternino and all its hotels are booked up for 21 December. Local mayor, Donato Baccaro, has welcomed the interest and told Italian TV show ‘Volo in Diretta’: “I’m happy they are talking about us around the world.”

Baccaro continued: “There will be a notable influx of tourists and we want to organise something characteristic other than the traditional Christmas market.”