Italian Traditions in Independence, Louisiana

Preface

This online booklet-intended for use by teachers, researchers, and individuals-represents an ongoing project to record the Italian customs and culture of Independence, Louisiana. Historians, genealogists, community scholars, and interested persons with documented information are invited to add to this collection, keeping it a vital, growing record of Independence's Italian community and its traditions.

Introduction

Citizens of Italian descent comprise a significant percentage of South Louisiana's total population, and have had a tremendous impact on Louisiana culture, from architectural masonry to foodways to jazz and brass band music. In Independence, the proportion of Italian residents is conspicuous in that Italian-Americans outnumber any other cultural group. Many of these are first-generation Italian-Americans, their parents having emigrated at the turn of the century from southern Italy-Apulia, Calabria, and primarily Sicily. Italian emigrants to Louisiana typically arrived at the Port of New Orleans and quickly found work, often as plantation workers replacing the newly freed slaves. As soon as possible, they sent for the rest of the family, and children worked alongside their parents in the cane fields.

Attracted by the developing strawberry industry in Tangipahoa Parish, many frugal southern Italians eventually purchased land there, centering in Independence (called "Uncle Sam" until 1852) and extending northward into Amite and southward into Hammond. On arrival, they were met with suspicion by other European emigrants, northern Italians among them. In larger Louisiana cities, some upscale restaurants still specify that they serve "northern Italian cuisine," to distinguish themselves from the "peasant" food of southern Italy. Early difficulties in assimilation strengthened the close community bonds among southern Italians in Tangipahoa Parish. The religious and secular traditions and rituals served to keep the community close. Among the first settlers were family names still familiar in Independence: Alessi, Anzalone, Genovese, Levatino, Miceli, Pecoraro, Sinagra, Tiaravella, Zabbia.

Though southern Italians and their descendants now indicate that they feel no cultural stigma living in Louisiana, many continue to uphold traditions that serve as reinforcers and celebrations of cultural identity. Italian communities throughout the state celebrate their heritage through Italian cultural festivals, and Independence holds an annual Italian Festival as well (the last weekend of April). Restaurants that serve southern Italian cuisine are increasingly popular in cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and increasingly feature such age-old dishes as polenta, while Gina's Restaurant in Independence attracts visitors from both of those cities, and throughout the parish.

This survey gives a preliminary account of Independence's history and traditions and suggests avenues for further research. Its descriptions primarily focus on foodways traditions in Independence as they relate to family and religious life, and particularly as they are practiced in preparation for St. Joseph's Day (March 19).

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