Blue Island's Sister Cities

Blue Island's Sister Cities. . , [Text on the north-facing side:] , Ripacandida/Castrolibero , In 2006, Blue Island welcomed as its Sister City the town of Ripacandida, located in the Basilicata region of Southern Italy., In 2024, Blue Island welcomed as its Sister City the town of Castrolibero, located in the Calabria region of Southern Italy., Near the turn of the 20th Century, immigrants from across Europe arrived in U.S. cities in search of the American Dream. Italian immigrants hailing from the Basilicata and Calabria regions began settling in Blue Island during this time, building homes near the railroads that brought them here, and settling on the East Side and South Side of the City. , , Through their first decade in Blue Island, Italian immigrants began making Blue Island their home, building houses, establishing businesses, and starting families. In 1905, they sought their own place of worship. As such, the community established and built with their own hands St. Donatus Catholic Church, dedicating the new church to the patron saint of Ripacandida, San Donato. The church still sits today on the East Side where it continues to be a cultural centerpiece to Italian descendants of Blue Island. , , Following World War II, Italian immigration once again swelled and the population of Blue Island became predominantly Italian, many attaining elected office in the city and state. To this day, the cultural imprint of Italy and specifically of Ripacandida and Castrolibero is strong throughout the city. , , This park honors the spirit of the first Italian immigrants who settled in this region and the tremendous contributions Italians and Italian-Americans have made to Blue Island throughout the years. , , Ripacandida, Italy , Region: Basilicata , Area: 13 sq. mi. , Elevation: 2,030 ft. , Population: 1,700 , , Castrolibero, Italy , Region: Calabria , Area: 4.5 sq. mi. , Elevation: 1,834 ft. , Population: 9,700 , , [Text on the south-facing side:] , Estancia de Ánimas , In 2021, the City of Blue Island welcomed as its Sister City the town of Estancia de Ánimas, Villa González Ortega located in the State of Zacatecas, Mexico. , , Ties between the two Sister Cities began forming in the 1940s as residents migrated from Estancia de Ánimas to Blue Island in search of opportunity and prosperity. The connection between the two Sister Cities has only grown in the decades that follows, as Blue Island and Estancia de Ánimas share many of the same core values; family, respect, and perseverance. , , Throughout the years, Blue Island residents with roots in Estancia de Ánimas continue to celebrate their heritage and ancestral home through civic action and community celebrations. Blue Island has provided a home away from home for many from this small town in Mexico, and Blue Island has benefited from the cultural enrichment and many contributions made by residents and descendants of Estancia de Ánimas. This park honors the bond Blue Island and Estancia de Ánimas will forever share. , , Country: Mexico , State: Zacatecas , Area: 166.8 sq. mi. , Elevation: 7,034 ft. , Population: 13,000