Italy in the Vale

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More than 150 years after the arrival of the first Italians in the Vale do Paraíba, what cultural heritage still survives in the region today?

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Full Text

Article for Foca em Foco magazine.

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The first Italian immigrants arrived in Brazil, along with other European colonies, to work on coffee plantations. This was largely due to the abolition of slave labor in the country, which encouraged the arrival of foreign workers. Many Italians left their homeland, recently unified and facing a financial crisis, and arrived in southeastern Brazil from 1860 onward, eventually settling in the Vale do Paraíba.

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The most prominent symbol of Italian immigration in the Vale is Quiririm, a district of Taubaté. It remains a landmark of the region today. According to historian and member of Società 30 di Aprile, Renata Eberhard, the district became well-known for the close-knit Italian families who settled there. “It seems that many families from the same Italian region came to Quiririm, already connected to each other in their homeland. Here, they became even more intertwined,” said Renata.

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The presence of the Quiririm Italian Immigration Museum, unique in the Vale, alongside entities such as Società 30 di Aprile, helps promote Italian culture in Taubaté. “The intense interaction between generations and descendants contributes greatly to keeping the memory of the immigrants alive,” adds Dalila Araújo, member of the society.

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Expansion and Influence

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With Quiririm as a primary point of Italian influence, immigrants gradually settled in other towns across São Paulo’s interior. According to historian and Italian language and culture educator Cesira Papera, Italians from the south, mainly Campania and Calabria, sought urban centers, while northern Italians from Veneto and Lombardy preferred rural and fertile areas. Over time, Italians significantly contributed to regional development, diversifying labor activities. “Part of the development of the old towns in the Vale do Paraíba is due to Italian and other immigrants. In a society emerging from slavery, there was little specialization or diversity in services among Brazilians at the time. Immigrants introduced and encouraged commercial and industrial enterprises,” explains Cesira.

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The presence of Italians also spurred regional growth. Cesira emphasizes that their creative entrepreneurship and valuation of private initiative elevated the Vale. “During the transition from a slave-based society to a free society, the cultural capital brought by Italian immigrants was crucial. It played a decisive role in forming a society based on freedom.”

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Cultural and Social Legacy

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Another key factor is social life in the Vale. Italians sought to preserve elements of their culture, including religious practices—especially Catholicism—traditional celebrations, respect for ethnic origins, and prioritizing family.

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Italian influence is also evident in cuisine. Pasta and wine remain central to Brazilian tables, brought and popularized by Italian immigrants. Songs and musical traditions have persisted, carrying their culture and beauty forward. Events promoted by Italian cultural organizations, such as the annual Quiririm festival (now in its 30th edition) and Jacareí’s Immigrants Festival, further disseminate this heritage.

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Even after more than 150 years, towns in the Vale still keep Italian memory alive. These immigrants spread their culture, habits, and lifestyle, leaving a rich legacy. “Italian culture is marked by strong family values, education, and access to culture, ensuring the social well-being of the population,” concludes Cesira.

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The strong Italian influence in the Vale do Paraíba allowed the region to grow and develop without losing its roots. The Vale, in general, must not forget the memories of those who shaped it, and their legacy will continue to guide its future. Grazie agli italiani! (Thanks to the Italians!).

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The influence of Italian culture in today’s Vale do Paraíba is reflected in the Vale-Paraibana mindset of developing diverse activities and sectors of production, as well as techniques and arts. – Cesira Papera