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Eden Coffee Shop,
of Aquiles Campagna,
on Del Sol Street
in Santiago.
© Edwin Espinal
THE ITALIAN PRESENCE IN THE CIBAO REGION AND IN SANTIAGO DE LOS CABALLEROS
world’s great industrial powers, tended to be trained in and knowledgeable about various fields, and were
often associated with companies in construction (Impregilo, Coggefar, Recchi, Fiat, Italconsult) or involved in
Dominican-Italian educational and cooperation activities.
The most recent arrivals have been lured by tourism, after being captivated by a particular place, thing, or
person, ultimately making the decision to settle in the country for the long term. They have shown a marked
interest in investing in the Dominican Republic, as evidenced in the restaurants, small hotels, travel agencies,
pastry shops and cafés, clothing and footwear factories, food supply agencies, ceramic factories, and factories
for machinery for industrial and artisanal production which they have established.
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Given this overall dynamic, we find marriages between Italians and Dominicans, although the opposite
has also occurred, in some cases, due to travel and study among Dominicans in Italy, who subsequently decide
to remain in that country.
Overall, among those immigrants of yesterday and today, there is a common thread that prevails: a fond
memory for their beloved Italy, that
patria lontana
, but also a great satisfaction and sense of happiness for living
in the Dominican Republic, which so many years ago generously opened its doors.
There is, of course, much more to relate about the influence of Italy in the Cibao; these notes highlight
only some of the vast number of ties. We wish to acknowledge Italy and the Italians for their many contribu-
tions and the close bonds they have secured with the people of the Dominican Republic.