Arthur Henrique Bossi, born in Teófilo Otoni (MG) and currently living in Scotland, decided to launch a project to preserve and value the Italian roots of Matias Barbosa, his wife's hometown, in Minas Gerais.
Despite living thousands of miles away, Arthur, a professor of Sport, Exercise and Health at Edinburgh Napier University, is determined to rescue the city's rich, but little celebrated, cultural heritage.
The discovery of local origins
During the process of obtaining Italian citizenship for his family, Arthur realized that almost all residents of Matias Barbosa — about 15 — have Italian ancestry. “My wife has almost 100% Italian blood,” he says. However, the city does not have any festivals or events that celebrate this heritage.
“It’s amazing how so many people carry Italian surnames but know so little about their family history or the immigration that shaped the city,” says Arthur.
The digital initiative
To reverse this situation, Arthur created the group Italians by Matias Barbosa, on Facebook. The page brings together descendants, shares stories and promotes Italian culture. One of the highlights of the group is a photograph from 1910, which depicts the city center with an Italian flag flying.
“This image symbolizes the city’s connection with its Italian roots and reinforces the need to preserve this history for future generations,” he explains.
The group also seeks to inspire the local community to create events that celebrate Italian culture, such as an annual festival.
Invitation to engagement
Arthur invites everyone to join the group and help spread Italian culture in Matias Barbosa. “The group is more than a space to share stories, it is an opportunity to build a future in which this heritage is valued,” he concludes.
