Nestled among dry hills and a lonely coastline, Riace was once a symbol of hope. It welcomed hundreds of refugees to help bring new life to its old town. But today, this small Italian community is divided, its streets showing the remains of a failed plan and political arguments.
In Riace’s old center, where winds blow through empty streets, people remember when new faces from Syria, Eritrea, and Nigeria filled the town. Now, most of the migrants have left, leaving behind a town torn between wanting to include newcomers and wanting to keep them out.
At its peak, almost half of Riace’s population was migrants. They came for a new start in what was called the Global Village. But as the excitement wore off, some local people, especially in the poor Marina district, felt left out. They saw state money going to the migrant project, which caused anger and led to a right-wing reaction and the arrest of former Mayor Domenico “Mimmo” Lucano, who started the project.
Now, as Riace gets ready for the European elections, old fights come back. Lucano is trying to win political office again, both locally and in the EU. For some, his return brings hope; for others, it brings fear. This shows the deep divides over immigration in Riace and across Europe.
Riace’s story is like the bigger issues Europe faces with migrants. As political lines harden, people struggle with questions of identity, integration, and economic stability. Riace must choose between accepting diversity or staying the same, which will shape its future and reflect on Europe as a whole.
As locals discuss the future, it is clear that Riace’s fate will impact more than just their town. It will show the challenges and hopes of communities across the continent. Whether Riace becomes a story of division or a model of strength will be seen as the European elections approach in this small, divided Italian town.