Our
organisation is founded upon four basic pillars
with regards to the Italian region of Calabria:
History, Culture, Language, and Genealogy. We believe
that segmenting our activity across each of these
pillars has been extremely beneficial in providing
relevant information to our members regarding the
region of Calabria.
Since 1996, we have helped to
increase visibility
and awareness of our region and assisted our members
in furthering their own research across these specific
areas. Not only are we focused on studying these
four aspects, we are actively preserving them for
future generations.
With all that we have to offer as an organisation, it is no wonder
why we are the worlds #1 choice for those with a passion for
Calabria.
History
The history of Calabria is rich
and extremely diverse. Calabria’s history starts
around 90000 BC. which has been determined from
early cave paintings. Our region has been known
by a number of names: Italy (yes, this is the original
Italy!), Magna Graecia, Bruttium, and now Calabria.
Through invasion after invasion,
conquest after conquest the people have developed
a very strong resilience to change. Notable historic
periods of dominion: Enotrian, Laconian, Greek,
Roman, Byzantine, Norman, Swabian, Anjou, Aragon,
Spanish, Austrian, Bourbon and French. As you can
see it changed many hands and was difficult to maintain.
Culture
With each invading group, the
culture of the region became continually more rich
and diverse. This impacted the foods, cooking style,
artistic expression, architecture, religious doctrine
and shaped the thinking of the people of Calabria.
The
cultural impact was felt differently depending on
which area of the region we are concerned with.
Southern areas were heavily influenced by the Greeks
and Saracens whereas the northern areas had more
of a Spanish influence.
Even today, with the influx
of immigrants from northern Africa and Albania,
the culture continues to evolve.
The Calabrese people are noted for being exceptionally
hospitable, yet extremely stubborn, or capotostu,
as we prefer to say.
Language
As with the cultural impacts
from various conquests, the languages spoken within
the region have diverse
origins. Add the rough mountainous topography into
the picture and we see the languages diverging ever
more rapidly from location to location. Originally
descended from Proto-Latin, it has taken on more
flavor with heavy influences of Greek and lesser
influences of Arabic and Albanian.
Since Italy’s unification,
standard Italian has been taught in schools,
but there are still remnants of the old languages in
every town with the older generations still speaking
them almost exclusively. Another few generations
will most likely see the languages diminishing and
becoming extinct...but not if we can help it!
Genealogy
The genealogy of the region and its diverse origins
make for an extremely interesting pastime.
Many of our members are very active in this particular
facet of our studies and actively assist other
members with getting started in their own research
as well.
Who are we?
We are a membership-based,
global organisation comprising members
from many of the world's nations.
Who is Attracted to the Organisation?
Individuals who are interested
in genealogical, historical, linguistic, or cultural
research relevant to the region of Calabria. Experts
and novices alike share a common love for the region
and communicate frequently about it. We have been
particularly adept at attracting those researching
their own genealogies.
Why Should I join ICC?
To share your love of Calabria
and learn more from others
with a similar love of our region. You need not
be an expert, but merely willing to learn more about
our region and wish to participate in the discussions
and events as they occur. There simply is no other
organisation that offers what we do! There are so
many benefits
for joining, that we are confident you will
love being a part of our global organisation.
How do I join?
Joining is so easy, it takes only 5 minutes
to apply! Delay no longer! Apply now to
begin learning and sharing information
about Calabria!
visibility
and awareness of our region and assisted our members
in furthering their own research across these specific
areas. Not only are we focused on studying these
four aspects, we are actively preserving them for
future generations.
starts
around 90000 BC. which has been determined from
early cave paintings. Our region has been known
by a number of names: Italy (yes, this is the original
Italy!), Magna Graecia, Bruttium, and now Calabria.
The
cultural impact was felt differently depending on
which area of the region we are concerned with.
Southern areas were heavily influenced by the Greeks
and Saracens whereas the northern areas had more
of a Spanish influence.
origins. Add the rough mountainous topography into
the picture and we see the languages diverging ever
more rapidly from location to location. Originally
descended from Proto-Latin, it has taken on more
flavor with heavy influences of Greek and lesser
influences of Arabic and Albanian.
others
with a similar love of our region. You need not
be an expert, but merely willing to learn more about
our region and wish to participate in the discussions
and events as they occur. There simply is no other
organisation that offers what we do! There are so
many 