Preserve memory, rescue the stories of successes and sacrifices of Italian immigrants, return to the origins, reconnect with the roots. With these objectives, it was born Italya project that invites Italians living abroad and descendants of Italians to discover the places and traditions of their roots.
Under the motto “the journey towards the true roots” Italea’s proposal is to help and facilitate the organization of an unforgettable trip to Italy that allows you to discover places, customs and, especially, the Italian culture.
As presented by Giovanni María De Vita, project coordinator, the work is done through a broad organization of 20 groups – representing the Italian regions – that are responsible for informing and helping local travelers.
He program will last until 2025 and can be requested personalized itineraries. and the focus is placed especially in young people, so that they can delve into the culture of their ancestors. Also among those who have not yet identified them, and who will be able to take advantage of a network of genealogists to find their roots.
There is a Loyalty plan with Italia Cardwhich will allow access to discountsservices and facilities of different types from the participating companies such as restaurants, accommodations, wineries, transportation, car rental and a long list of activities that will allow the traditional traveler to live a unique experience.
What does Italea mean?
The explanation for the name of the project is in the fusion of part of the word Italia and the Italian word, “cutting” what does it mean a cut made in a plant to replant itgiving rise to a new one. Growing new rootsjust as happens with migration.
This program represents the gratitude to the “mother plant” for its flourishing in the world.
“The special initiatives, agreements and facilities provided for in the program, called Italea, facilitate the fulfillment of what we define as the journey of the roots, often towards the small centers from which so many ancestors of Italians in the world left,” he said Carmelo Barbera, consul general of Italy in Argentina.
And he added: “This program finds in Buenos Aires – where the largest Italian community lives outside the Italian borders– and in Argentina, an ideal application, and we invite all those who have Italian origins – and there are many – to make this fascinating and significant journey, in the name of Italian identity in the world.”
Donato de Santis, one of the most famous Italian chefs, said: “Argentina has always been a country with open arms to all foreigners who arrived, at all times. I feel privileged to live this experience“.
“Going back to the roots is important, know where one comes from; If you can return, the better. When I return, I feel that I am renewed and I can share it with others who cannot do so. I make sure to return with a photo, an image or a discovery of the roots to share,” added de Santis.
Italea was present at the International Tourism Fair – FIT 2024, at the Italy stand, which closed this Tuesday, October 1, with a record number of participants.
The next steps for those who are part of the project will be to continue working daily to consolidate and strengthen the roots, and ignite the passion in the youngest to continue transmitting the culture.