The presentation held on 11 October 2024 at the SDE Seminar Room of Palazzo Hercolani, Bologna, represented an important opportunity for reflection and in-depth analysis of the old and new migrations of Emilia-Romagna people to Europe. This event revolved around the research “So close, so far. Old and new migrations of Emilia-Romagna people in France, Switzerland and the United Kingdom”, created by Pierluigi Musarò and Stefania Peca of the Department of Sociology and Economic Law, with the co-financing of the Emilia-Romagna Region and the Council of Emilia-Romagna in the World.

Main topics

The research addressed crucial questions to understand the relationship between the communities of Emilia-Romagna emigrants and their places of origin:

-How are the places of origin perceived by emigrants?

-What are the differences between the generation of traditional migrants and the new youth mobility?

How can the expectations and needs of those who seek to rediscover their roots be transformed into opportunities for local communities in Emilia-Romagna?

The analysis was enriched by the comparison with previous research on Emilia-Romagna communities in Argentina and Brazil, the results of which were published in the report “When I think of you I would like to return”.

Speeches and Discussions

The event was attended by academic figures, institutional representatives and members of the emigrant communities:

-Paola Parmiggiani (Department of Sociology and Economic Law)

-Marilina Bertoncini (Vice-President of the Council of Emilia-Romagna in the world, in connection from Buenos Aires)

-Luca Bruschi (Emilia-Romagna Regional Coordinator for the Roots Tourism Project)

-Riccardo Pattuelli (ITALEA Emilia-Romagna)

They also gave their direct testimony:

-Barbara Morotti, Emilia-Romagna in Switzerland

-Lorenzo Battisti, Emilia-Romagna in France

In remote connection, Alain Draghi (President AS.PA. PI) and Oreste Foppiani (Former President of the Association of Emilia-Romagna in Geneva).

Multimedia Contributions

During the event, the video-documentary “So close, so far”, made by the authors of the report in collaboration with Nicola Baita and Michele Brusutti, was screened. The documentary added a visual and narrative dimension, illustrating the personal stories of the emigrants and their connection to their homeland.

Conclusion

The presentation offered valuable insights to strengthen the link between Emilia-Romagna abroad and local communities in the Region. This ongoing dialogue is essential to enhance the shared cultural heritage and to create new opportunities through projects such as Roots Tourism.