Did you know that the Brazil is the first country in the world with the highest percentage of Italians? Only Argentina followed him. And this is the result of years of emigration of our compatriots who left Italy between the end of the nineteenth century and the first decades of the twentieth century. A great immigration that has allowed over the years to create a strong bond between the two countries. Today the international agreements signed at the diplomatic level between the two countries are the concrete symbol of collaboration between the two states. But let's get to know something more about the link between Italy and Brazil, first of all trying to retrace history. And maybe football too.
A bond that is based on years of emigration
Walking through the streets of the major Brazilian cities you will find many places that recall Italy. Because there are many Italian Brazilians, people born in Brazil with Italian ancestors. But there are also many Italians who have lived in this country for years. According to the estimates of the Embassy of Italy in Brasilia, about 30 million Italians or descendants of Italian immigrants would live in the country. And recently the percentage has stood at around 15 percent of the Brazilian population who would be of Italian origin, that is about 30 million people.
Mass immigration to Brazil
In Brazil the Italian emigrants arrived at the beginning of the twentieth century. They were mainly from northern Italy, a little further from the south. LMost of the immigrants came from Veneto, then from Campania and Calabria. And this migratory phenomenon took the name of mass immigration. Many Italians were farmers from the Veneto, Lombardy and Piedmont in search of a piece of land to cultivate. And many Italians worked on Brazilian coffee plantations. And then for a short time there were also organizations that took care of placing Italians who were leaving in the companies.
Large Italian companies in Brazil
But over the years the link between the two countries it has also consolidated on an economic level. In fact, the major Italian companies have invested in various sectors from infrastructure, communications, machinery, agro business, tourism, construction. Among the most important companies are Enel, Tim, Pirelli, Magneti Marelli, Costa Cruises, Atlantia, Gavio, Techint, Fca. And then many entrepreneurs have Italian surnames and origins, a sign of this historical and collaborative link between the two countries.
The city of Sao Paulo, and the bond with the Italians
The largest population of Italian descent in Brazil would reside in the state of Sao Paulo. In fact, there would be about 6 million descendants of the Italians. And there are also many places to eat well, opened by Italians, but also fashion shops and other Italian companies. And yet the soccer team Palestra Italia, later known as Palmeiras, is champion of numerous cups and its fans sing the Mameli anthem before the start of each match.
The many Brazilians who work in Italy
But there are not only many Italians residing in Brazil. There are also many Brazilians who live in Italy and have made their fortune. How not to think of the many players including the "phenomenon" Ronaldo, Zico, Ronaldinho, Socrates, Paolo Roberto Falcao, Thiago Motta, Kakà, or other sportsmen such as Felipe Massa, Rubens Barrichello. And the football rivalry with Italy is remarkable. How not to think about the matches of the World Cup. In the spirit that unites the two countries lovers of this sport do not hold back in cheering which of the two finishes in the final. A sign that the heart overcomes all rivalries, in the name of traditions and common roots.
