Feb 23 • 06:00 UTC 🇦🇷 Argentina La Nacion (ES)

Leaving Italy hurt, the dual identity deeply affected and found the way not to fall into oblivion: 'You, Tanos, drink mate?'

The article reflects on the experiences of Italian immigrants in Argentina, highlighting the emotional complexities of dual identity and the struggles faced after war and exile.

The piece delves into the life of Daniel Cayetano (detto Gaetano) Terracciano, who shares the profound impact of his Italian heritage and immigrant experience in Argentina. He recounts how the treatment he and his family received in Italy post-war, coupled with hunger and desolation, significantly shaped their lives, leading them to see Argentina as a land of opportunity and a future beyond the hardships of their homeland.

Throughout his life, Cayetano has navigated the complexities of living between two worlds, facing ambiguities and criticisms from those who have not lived through migration. His childhood was filled with stories from his Italian immigrant parents, which instilled values of effort and resilience. He reflects on the difficulty of explaining the feelings and cultural legacies of immigration, emphasizing how this duality has given him a broader perspective on time, identity, and existence.

The article ultimately sheds light on the enduring legacy of Italian immigrants in Argentina, revealing how they have integrated their cultural identity while also expressing the pain of leaving their homeland. It poses a poignant reflection on cultural ties and the experience of belonging in a world shaped by migration, exemplified through cultural practices like drinking mate, which connects their Italian roots to their Argentine life.

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