“Canzone Napoletana”: the controversial roots of a powerful identity tool

Abstract

At the beginning of the XX century, Naples and Southern Italy in general have been experiencing high level of emigration, especially to North America. Many neighbourhoods called ‘Little Italy’ were formed in the United States as well as in Canada. Notably, these immigrants, in an attempt to maintain a link with their homeland, found foothold in the ancient and deep-rooted Neapolitan traditions including music (opera), theatre and the figurative arts. Thereafter, Neapolitan song (“Canzone Napoletana”) became a tool to remain Italian for those who were now permanently linked to their status as immigrants and who tried to export some aspects of their cultural roots.