The city of Reggio Calabria has officially entered into a sister-city agreement with Agawam, Massachusetts, marking the culmination of a relationship that dates back more than 25 years. The formal signing took place on March 26, 2026, turning a long-standing connection into an institutional partnership focused on cultural, economic, and social exchange.
Local officials described the agreement as the natural outcome of a process that had been underway since at least 1999. The initiative builds on the broader “Sister City” program launched in 1956 to encourage cooperation between municipalities worldwide. Today, that vision continues through projects that link communities across continents, including this new Italy–United States partnership.
Acting mayor Domenico Battaglia emphasized that the agreement is more than symbolic. It is designed to generate concrete opportunities, with joint activities expected in areas such as tourism, education, and economic development. Officials highlighted that both cities will work together on shared initiatives, creating a structured framework for collaboration rather than occasional exchanges.
A key factor behind the agreement was the role of honorary consul Giuseppe Polimeni, who helped reconnect the two communities after years of limited interaction. Renewed dialogue between Agawam mayor Christopher C. Johnson and city council president Anthony J. Russo helped accelerate the process, allowing both sides to finalize a project that had remained incomplete for decades.
The partnership also ties directly into the concept of “roots tourism,” which aims to reconnect Italian American communities with their ancestral origins. Reggio Calabria sees this as a strategic opportunity to promote its cultural heritage and attract visitors with family ties to southern Italy. Local leaders believe that strengthening these transatlantic bonds can support long-term growth and visibility for the region.
Officials on both sides stressed the strong presence of people of Calabrian descent in Massachusetts, a factor that gives the agreement added meaning. For many families, the distance between Italy and the United States has never erased their sense of identity. The new partnership aims to reinforce that connection, turning shared heritage into a platform for future cooperation.
The ceremony concluded with the exchange of official plaques and gifts, symbolizing a commitment to long-term collaboration. After nearly three decades – about 27 years – of intermittent contact, the two cities have now formalized a relationship intended to grow through ongoing projects and mutual engagement.
