Gius. e Antonia Campagna

Oliveto Lucano

Giuseppe Campagna and Antonia di Sogra Campagna are from Oliveto Lucano and moved to the United States in 1982 after getting married. The decision was made primarily out of love and to improve their living conditions.

Despite their move, Giuseppe Campagna and Antonia di Sogra Campagna maintain close ties with Basilicata and visit Italy regularly. Their daughter has returned to Italy to live in Turin. Giuseppe reflects on life in Oliveto, which is emptying as many young people emigrate elsewhere. The couple keeps Basilicata’s culinary traditions alive. Giuseppe integrated fairly easily in the United States, but he had to learn English and work with Americans to advance in his career. Despite the presence of a large Italian community in Washington, they have no contact with other people from Basilicata. They always feel nostalgic for their homeland and bring back typical food and products, such as Amaro Lucano and cured meats, every time they return to Italy. Both had different careers: Antonia was a hairdresser for 36 years, while Giuseppe worked with marble and granite. Even though they are now retired, they both continue to work.

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