Italian Migration
It is easy to travel to Italy and be mesmerized by the country’s food, natural beauty, and culture. When in Italy people often ask themselves “why would anyone want to leave this paradise?”. However, over the years hundreds of thousands of Italians fled their countries in search of a better life. The majority of Italian immigrants come from southern Italy. Campagna, the region Sorrento is in, is one of the main regions that immigrants fled from. Historically, the south of Italy has always been inferior to the North. The North has a stronger economy, better school systems, and better infrastructure. The south, on the other hand, is more agriculture-oriented with limited access to jobs.
Because of the lack of economic prosperity and rising poverty levels in southern Italy, many families fled to other countries like the United States, Canada, and even Argentina. In the 20th century, around 4 million people immigrated from the Naples area to other countries.
There is also emigration within the country. In more recent years there has been an influx of emigration from southern to northern Italy. Many young people from southern Italy attend college in the North because the schools are far more prestigious like Bocconi University in Milan, the University of Bologna, and the University of Pisa. It is still difficult for Italians to find work in any part of the country so upon graduation, young Italians either move to a different country or remain in Northern Italy leaving their home regions behind.
The mass emigration from southern to northern Italy has become a large issue for many communities in the south. In regions like Calabria, towns are offering to pay families to move to the region and set up a business to help boost the local economy and population growth.
Although many people have left the south in search of better economic opportunities, immigrants feel a strong sense of Nostalgia after leaving their home countries. Italian immigrants, especially those from the Campagna area, are extremely proud of where they come from and pass down their culture and traditions from generation to generation. Neapolitan culture is extremely popular in cities like New York, for example, the festival of San Gennaro is celebrated every year just like in Naples.
Mar Del Plata
Across the Atlantic Ocean, there lies a town in Argentina called Mar Del Plata. The large immigration of Italian sailors to this coastal town right off Buenos Aires is seen and felt in the Argentine culture. There, the boats mimic those seen in Sorrento, and the fishing culture has followed the sailors. Not only is the food in Mar Del Plata extremely similar, giving rise to debate whether Sorrentino pasta was invented in Sorrento or Mar Del Plata, but in November of 2007, the two cities signed a "brotherhood." This "brotherhood" confirmed the two towns' long and intertwined histories, solidifying their futures. Not only was this a metaphorical pact but also one that solidified their businesses together. This pact also established a plaque that would be installed in both locations, each honoring the other. The plaza in which the plaque to Sorrento is located is known as the "Plaza De Los Italianos" (the Plaza of The Italians) further demonstrating the strong relationship between both locations.
Immigration from Italy started in the late 1800s when a mass of Italians found their way to the Southern Hemisphere. About two million immigrated within 40 years. Towards the end of the migration wave, Argentina was composed of about 59% of Italians. Many of the immigrants came from Naples, so much so that the city once referred to as its own "kingdom" was reduced to just another Italian town.
The Italian immigration to Argentina is intensely distinct. Compared to the rest of Latin America, the Argentinian accent is now the most distinct in the region. Oftentimes, those speaking Italian or Argentinian Spanish are so similar that the languages are mistaken for each other. Many words in the Argetianian Spanish are taken from Italian or Neopolitan. for example, Parlar – To speak (Italian parlare, Neapolitan parlà - to speak), or ‘Los pibes’ - (‘the boys’ or ‘the kids’). Lunfardo, the name for the mixture of Spanish and Italian quickly grew in Argentina, specifically in the Buenos Aires and Mar Del Plata areas.
Fishing Culture
Situated by the sea, Sorrento has prided itself on its famous fishing culture. The prime location of Marina Grande has given fishermen the perfect place to leave in the morning and return to at sunset.
Due to the relatively smaller ports in Sorrento, fishermen in the 13th century began building smaller ships to come in and out of the ports easier. These boats have been developed in such a way that allows them to haul large catches while also being able to withstand intense weather. The fishermen usually use three different kinds of nets, “menaide”, “guastaurellara” and “sciavica," each used for blue fish, gastaurelli, and deep-sea fishing, respectively. The boats must be built in a specific manner, with a pointed bow that is slightly higher than the pointed stern. The choice of wood was also done meticulously, only oak or elm should be used for the structure, with maritime pine covering the outside of the boat. The woods would be exclusively chosen in the winter and were never allowed to be chosen during the waning moon phase. Only after the wood was aged in tuff caves, could it be used for the building of the ship. The final step before the ship was sea-worthy was the inclusion of a crucified Christ at the stern, blessing the fisherman and his voyage into the sea.
All this work is done to ensure the best catch and a safe return to their families. Their picturesque boats are lined at the Marina, and their catch can be eaten at any of the restaurants located on the Marina. The fresh catches are always on the menu, and it is obvious why.
Popular Seafood Dishes
Linguine Allo Scoglio - White wine, garlic, mussels, calamari, shrimp in either Spaghetti or Linguine
Fritto Misto di Pesce - A medley of fried seafood, always consisting of crustaceans and mollusks. Often contains paranza, which is a name for small whole fish (ex. Sardines, anchovies, etc.)
Fritto Misto - Very similar to the aforementioned dish, but usually only consisting of calamari and shrimp
Spaghetti Alle Vongole - Spaghetti mixed with clams, garlic, parsley, and olive oil
Daily Life
Life around Marina Grande is very slow and relaxed especially during the long, hot summer days. Marina Grande is a small neighborhood that embraces its vivid culture and history. The small size makes the community very tight-knit. When walking through Marina Grande one can easily look up and see all the balconies filled with people doing laundry, enjoying the view, or talking with neighbors. Balcony life is a large part of the tradition and daily life of Marina Grande. Balconies instantly connect the Marina Grande residents from their private lives to their important community. The residents of Marina Grande are like an extended family, always helping each other out. When eating in the Marina, one can notice waiters from one restaurant walking over to another to ask for more ingredients or supplies. The community thrives on tradition and support. The “Tarantella of Sorrento” is a famous folk dance from the Naples region. There are different legends surrounding the dance for example, The dance dates back to the 18th century and some of the movements are similar to the ones the sirens used to curse the sailors. It also derives from celebrating the Greek God Dionysus.The dance is popular all around southern Italy and is traditionally done at important events like weddings.
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