150 Years of Italian Immigration to Brazil
150 Years of Italian Immigration to Brazil
Brazil and Italy, despite being geographically far apart, have a long and rich history together. Brazil’s Italian Immigrants Day celebrates 150 years of Italians in Brazil and the long journey these two countries have shared as many Italian citizens have made their way to South America.
Despite the long history of Italian-Brazilians holding dual citizenship for both countries, many aren’t aware of the specifics that have surrounded this journey or what brought so many Italian citizens here in the first place.
Let’s take Brazil’s Italian Immigrants Day to talk about Italian migration to Brazil and how beautiful new traditions were born out of it.
The History of Italian Immigration to Brazil
In the late 19th century, Brazil, having recently abolished slavery in 1888, faced a challenge in replenishing its labor force, especially with its booming agriculture and industrial industries—so what were they to do?
The Brazilian government came up with a plan to attract European immigrants to the country, offering incentives like land grants and employment opportunities. This initiative was also intended to contribute to the cultural diversification of Brazil.
Among the European groups that responded to this call for immigration were Italians, and thousands sought a new life in Brazil (heavily concentrated in São Paulo). Italians brought with them not only their labor but also their rich cultural heritage, contributing to the development of Brazil’s society through the 20th and 21st century.
Integration and Cultural Impact
Initially, Italian immigrants to Brazil encountered challenges in integrating into the language and culture of their new homeland. Most Italians didn’t speak Portuguese, the official language of Brazil, and few Brazilians were fluent in Italian. This and unfamiliar social customs made settling in tricky for some Italians—typical challenges when any group of immigrants is trying to assimilate in a new country halfway across the world.
Despite these initial difficulties, the Italian Brazilian community gradually adapted. Over time, Italian Brazilian immigrants began to influence the culture, notable in so many aspects including cuisine, language, festivals, and religious practices. Staple Italian food in Brazil became common, such as pasta and pizza, with Italians able to introduce their favorites to their new Brazilian community.
The religious practices of the Italian immigrants also left their mark, contributing to the diverse tapestry of faith in Brazil. Italian words even found their way permanently into the Brazilian Portuguese language.
Italian Immigrants Day
Thanks to many years of Italian immigration to Brazil, and all the contributions made, the Italian Brazilian relationship is still strong. Italian-Brazilian immigrants are celebrated throughout Brazil for their contributions, and the 150th anniversary of Italian Immigrants Day just passed, cementing yet another year of an excellent and fulfilling relationship between two cultures.
There’s no sign of this relationship fading. Italians continue to immigrate to Brazil even today, continuing to fuse the two cultures and birth new traditions and festivities that will be celebrated for years to come. Despite the initial challenges of assimilation, it’s safe to say Italians in São Paulo—and throughout Brazil—have left their mark.
Use ITAMCAP Today to Become Part of Italy’s History
As people immigrate all over the world to new cultures and discover new traditions and festivities, it’s important to be open-minded to other places and life-changing experiences. Many American citizens are eligible for dual Italian citizenship—they just don’t know it yet.
If you’re inspired to discover a part of yourself you may not have even known about, contact us today at the Italian American Citizenship Assistance Program for a free phone consultation. We can research your family history to find out if Italy’s generous citizenship laws are ready to welcome you somewhere new.