tracing our roots - Calabria

How much tracing are you planning to do? Any birth, death, baptism or marriage records will be in Italian. Can you do or have you done some research in advance? Or are you not looking for something so formal?

It's a long drive from Amalfi to Scilla, but doable in a day. Good luck!

Are you going to visit relatives in Calabria?

Here is a test of your language knowledge. This is a Calabrese proverb in Calabrese dialect. If you can't figure it out, do what the proverb says:

SI VO' CAMPARI SANU DI' PARENTI STATTI LUNTANU

ok thanks. yes long day trip but most likely can do in 5 hours or so. it is going to be a very informal trace, esp. since we'll only be there for 2 days. i have birth certificate of my mother and my grandparents marriage certificate along with photos of the church and my ancestors.

so we'll go to the church and city hall to see if any distant relatives are still living. the town of seminara is very small only about 2,600 people. since it is somewhat isolated i was just concerned that english would not be too prevalent.

and roberto, i'm sorry but even my translation guide could not translate your sentence.

are either of you familiar with this part of sountern Italy.? this will be the first visit to italy that we aren't in the typical "tourist" areas.

Translation of the above proverb:

If you want to live healthy, stay far away from relatives.

I just did this in Sweden. I know, totally different language and English abounds, but Italians are known for being more outgoing than Swedes and I had people coming out of the woodwork to help me and show me where people lived, etc. It was amazing! You are right, go to city hall and the church. You might want to make sure the church will be open and give them a heads up before you arrive so they can pre-search. The church probably has a member or worker who deals with genealogy issues. Also, if city hall and the church fail you, which I doubt, hit up the local bartenders. They know the inner workings of the town. Also, see if they have a town history museum (or room somewhere). Bring extra copies of your pictures and information as well. Good luck! I had a blast. Wray

thanks to both of you. still looking for help on civita di bagnoreggio.

You can't just walk into a church or city hall without giving them a heads-up. These people are very busy with their own affairs. Get on the Internet now and research the church for the name of the Abbot and his email. Or get the address and write a letter to him with your requests and dates of visit.

If nothing shows, then search for the Diocese connected to that church and email or write to the names available. Ask for the name of the Abbot of the church and his contact info.

Same with City Hall. Search for the relevant office and email your requests and dates of visits. Or write if you have to.

If you don't give them notice, they may tell you to return a week later. They don't have your information in front of them, and they can't just drop everything to help you on the spot.

www.paginebianche.it
is the website of white pages. Type in location, type in last names.

www.paginegialle.it
is the website of yellow pages, in case last names searched have businesses.

Write now to every relevant name with your requests and dates of visit.

We really enjoyed our short stay in Scilla, so I think that's a good choice.

yes, i have already emailed the town secretary. i do have alot of paper like birth certificates of my mom and grandparents and matrimony certificate of my grandparents as well as their parents names. i just really wanted more info on the region since it is somewhat off the beaten path and not exactly on the tourist route.
but i appreciate the feedback.

Palmi is a much bigger town than Scilla and so much closer to Seminara. Just saying.

You may have to go to the next biggest town to get records, especially if Seminara is a "frazione" of a larger community.

we looked at staying at palmi but scilla looked a little more interesting and is only a few kms farther.

anyone ever stay in civita di bagnoreggio? still trying to find out about the B&B's inside the town.

In 1980 I was able to reestablish communication with my family in Nicastro and Sambiase, Calabria. The area is now called Lamezia Terme and it has an international airport. At the time, I spoke very little Italian and my new family was very patient with me. Also at the same time they couldn't understand why everyone didn't speak Italian. Today, many people speak English, or some form of it, due to the influx of English tourists and condo owners because the British Pound is so strong against the Euro.

it is way more modern now than in 1980, but the people were friendly and helpful. Try to learn a few words and phrases like "Where is the bathroom?" and it will help you.

Two nights is not much time to explore the area, but it will give you an idea of your roots. There are also many places to stay around Pizzo and Tropea as both places are popular seaside resorts.

We have been back eleven times over the years and still visit the family. They still can't speak English and aren't interested in learning.

Buon viaggio,