Sicilian Integration with Italy: A Historical and Cultural Analysis
When did Sicilians integrate with Italy? This question often arises given the unique cultural and historical backgrounds of Sicily. My first-generation Sicilian-American great-uncle, who preferred to identify as a Sicilian rather than Italian, poses an interesting perspective that challenges the conventional narrative of Italian unification.
The History of Sicily
Sicily has a complex and diverse history, being colonized by many foreign powers including the Greeks, Romans, Carthaginians, Vandals, Ostrogoths, and Spaniards. Despite these invasions, Sicilians managed to maintain a distinct cultural identity. This is evident in their language (Sicilian and its various dialects), food, and history. The formation of a nation-state is a more complex process than merely establishing a state, as it involves unifying various cultures and languages.
The Unification of Italy
When Italy gained independence and became a state, different regions and their inhabitants lived together, each with its own distinct culture and language. The Italian Unification, led by Giuseppe Garibaldi, was not initially welcomed by the people of Sicily. The Sicilians, who were already under a reactionary monarchy called the Regno delle Due Sicilie, had little interest in unifying the peninsula. As a result, the people of the South were often neglected in the process of state-building, with Northerners dominating the policy-making. This led to a sense of isolation and a localistic mindset among the Italian-Americans of Sicilian descent.
The Integration Process
Over time, the integration process of Sicilians with Italy evolved. National migrations and the advent of television played a significant role in bringing the South and North closer. The cultural and linguistic differences that once marked Sicilian identity became less pronounced as people began to see themselves as part of a larger Italian nation. This process, however, was not immediate or uniform, and it took until the 1960s for the South and North to become more similar in cultural and social terms.
Cultural Continuity and Identity
Even with the integration into the Italian state, Sicilians like my great-uncle retained a strong sense of their distinct identity. The pride in their cultural heritage and language, along with a community-driven identity, allowed Sicilians to view themselves as one community separate from Italy. This is not unlike the way Scottish or Welsh people identify as part of the United Kingdom but retain their unique cultural identities.
Today, the Sicilian identity is still deeply rooted in its history, culture, and language. Although Sicilians have integrated with Italy, their unique cultural elements continue to enrich the Italian tapestry. Understanding the complexities of Sicilian integration is crucial for appreciating the diversity within the broader Italian culture.