In a significant event for Italian-Brazilian relations, the Consul General of Italy in Porto Alegre, Valério Caruso, made an official visit to the cities of Rio Grande and Pelotas on March 14 and 15, 2024. This trip is part of a strategic move to deepen ties with the interior of Rio Grande do Sul, a region with a strong Italian presence and deep cultural roots.
During the visit, one of the highlights was the official appointment of the new honorary vice-consul of Italy in Rio Grande, Vicente Touguinha Antonacci. Replacing his father, Marco Antônio Estima Antonacci, Vicente now has the mission of continuing a legacy of three decades of dedication to the vice consulate. In an emotional speech, Vicente expressed his gratitude and determination to strengthen the Italian community in the region.
Furthermore, Caruso had important meetings with local political figures, including mayor Fábio Branco (MDB) and the president of Portos RS, Cristiano Klinger, in Rio Grande. These meetings reinforce the importance of ongoing collaborations for economic and cultural development. In Pelotas, the Consul General visited Mayor Paula Mascarenhas (PSDB) and participated in an event with the local Italian community, demonstrating the continued appreciation and support for Italian culture in the city.
The ‘Andiamo’ project, led by Caruso since 2023, has been a pillar in the consular internalization strategy. This effort has brought itinerant consular services to cities such as Farroupilha, Carlos Barbosa and Bento Gonçalves, establishing a fixed presence in Caxias do Sul. The initiative has also reached other regions of the state, including Santa Maria, Passo Fundo and Erechim, demonstrating the commitment of the consulate in being accessible to all Italian communities in the state.
During his stay, Caruso participated in a series of cultural and institutional events, including a lunch at the Associação Italiana Pelotense, where the local community celebrated with Italian music and art, reinforcing the cultural ties between the two nations.
A crucial aspect of this visit was the discussion about future projects and collaborations. At the Port of Rio Grande, the possibility of promoting the city as a destination for cruise ships was discussed, opening up new tourism and business opportunities. Rio Grande City Hall expressed full openness to partnerships with the consulate, aiming to explore business spaces and promote Italian culture in the city.
Finally, in Pelotas, Mayor Mascarenhas highlighted the city’s rich cultural diversity, highlighting the importance of the Italian community in building the local social and cultural fabric. Caruso, in turn, emphasized the importance of hyperconnectivity between cities in the South and Europe, envisioning a future of greater collaboration and cultural exchange.
This visit by the Consul General of Italy to Rio Grande and Pelotas symbolizes a new chapter in relations between Italy and Rio Grande do Sul, highlighting the mutual commitment to strengthening cultural, economic and historical ties. With initiatives like this, Italian roots in the region continue to flourish, promoting a rich and lasting exchange between the two cultures.