PRESENZA - Rediscovering the joy of eating


Gigliola Cinquetti. Pensieri di donna
Un paese vuol dire

Storie di emigranti
L’addio dell’emigrante

Storie di emigranti
Le pene dell’emigrante

Colori di Sicilia
Lu minaturi all’estiru

Luna Canadese (Canadian Moon)
Luna canadese

Gli assi del folklore
Simu emigranti

Canadian Heritage One. Santa Cecilia Chorus
Il cjant de filologjche furlane



A Thousand Villages, a Thousand Italies

Italy is a country with thousands of cities and villages with varied geographic, economic and cultural features. Its diversity extends beyond its regions.

Besides seeing themselves as Italian, Venetian, Calabrian or Sicilian, for example, the majority of Italian-Canadian immigrants have always felt a strong connection to their native villages. To be from the same village as someone else is to be part of the circle of paesani, a community of relatives and friends who share customs, stories, and memories of landscapes, music and aromas.

This affection for one's native village is still evident here in Canada. It is exemplified in many ways, including hundreds of very active village associations. It can also be found in many homes, where paintings and photos of the village are often proudly displayed for all to see.

Village of Casalvieri Photo: CMC CD2004-1169 D2004-18528
Village of Casalvieri,
Latium region, Italy
Date unknown
Photographer unknown
Lent by Mario Recchia
Village of Cercemaggiore Photo: CMC CD2004-1169 D2004-18527
Village of Cercemaggiore,
Molise region, Italy
1999
Photographer unknown
Lent by Marco D'Amico and family
Village of Cattolica Eraclea Photo: CMC CD2004-1169 D2004-18529
Village of Cattolica Eraclea,
Sicily region, Italy
1990s
Photograph by Fratelli De Cicco
Lent by Domenico Iacono