Anyway the arbesche are italian from century, many mantein only the surname, but are 100% italian.
Not even that sometimes. Most names were "italianized".
I met guys whose lastnames were Parisi, Abate, Contessa, 100% Italian...they were aware of their SUPER OLD Arbereshe heritage, but they felt 100% Italian.
There are many communities here in the States.
- New Orleans has a large group due to the fact that it was the first city Italian used to moved to (mid-1800s) and Arbereshe people were even poorer that the averenge Sicilian so they moved out earlier.
- Sacramento, CA. They have a folk feast every year. San Giuseppe.
- Even here in MI. Even if (with all the Albanians we have) they tend to feel more Italian.
