Piazza della Famiglia

Piazza della Famiglia. . In the early 1900s, Italian immigrants were drawn to California for the climate, the geographical similarity to their homeland, and the promising opportunities America had in store for them and their families. San Diego became a haven for these immigrants, who came here from all regions of Italy, passing through New York, Chicago, San Francisco and other landmark cities. Many chose San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood as the place to build their new home and follow their American Dream., Upon arrival in San Diego, the Italian immigrants formed a tight-knit community here in Little Italy, building bonds like many immigrants did in cities throughout the United States. They opened their own businesses and through their hard work, created a community with everything they needed: a school, a church, grocery stores, a drug store, barber shops, liquor stores, cleaners, butcher shops, bakeries and even gas stations. Once settled into their new home, they brought their immediate and extended families to join them., Many of the Italian immigrants had made their livelihoods from fishing in Italy, so it was only natural for them to return to this industry in their new home. Bringing their years of fishing experience to the San Diego Bay enabled them to make a good living. At one time, more than 6,000 Italian families lived in San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood and toiled to build San Diego into the tuna industry capital of the world., The foundation of San Diego's Little Italy was created through the hard work of these immigrants, combined with the strength of their families and culture. It was these families who created the strong ties with the church and neighborhood; it was these families who held everything together. Thus, it was these families who helped preserve the Italian heritage in San Diego. It is because of the legacy left by these Italian immigrants and their families that we continue to enjoy today's "Little Italy" in San Diego.