Newport Set to Greet Italian Sister City Delegation

A delegation from Newport’s sister city in Italy will be in town next week.

Six people representing Imperia, Italy, will be greeted at a public reception on Oct. 9 in the lobby of the Gateway Center at 23 America’s Cup Blvd.

Among the guests is the mayor of Imperia, Carlo Capacci, and three city councilors from the coastal city and comune in the Ligueria region of Italy.

Newport’s sister city relationship with Imperia was established in 1978 when the then-mayor of that city, Alessandro Scajola, was visiting the United States.

In a letter to Newport’s City Manager Paul Steinbrenner, Scajola wrote that “The friendliness shown me by the town of Newport moved me deeply--so much so that I sincerely wish to consolidate relations between Newport and Imperia and their respective citizens.”

His proposal for a “twinning” of towns led to the Newport City Council blessing the idea the next month and a series of exchange visits and discussions followed. By the end of the year, the deal had been sealed and the cities have been linked in spirit since.

The visit coincides with Newport’s Columbus Day celebrations along with the annual Festa Italiana. When Newport delegates visit Imperia, they enjoy that city’s Classic Sailing Yachts Event among other cultural exchanges.

Last year, three Rogers High School Students traveled to Imperia as part of the delegation led by Councilor Marco T. Camacho.

“Both Newport and Imperia are cities with long and rich maritime histories. Both are picturesque towns who enjoy exquisite harbors, famous among sailing communities,” a city release stated. “Imperia has just completed a series of major projects which has developed its harbor and recreational facilities to world class status. Its new Naval Museum is a state-of-the art architectural and interactive institution. In addition, Imperia is known for its fragrant olive oil and beautiful flowers.”

The sister city concept was first hatched in the 1950s by Dwight D. Eisenhower. Cities of similar size with common features form long-term partnerships to share ideas, culture and insights.

Newport has five other sister cities – Shimoda, Japan, Kinsale, Ireland, Ponta Delgada, the Azores, Skiathos, Greece and St. John, New Brunswick Canada.

Photo: BMK Wikimedia