Calabria growing closer to the U.S. through the link between emigrants and their homeland. The Tricolor and the American flag fly over Italy Square, while the city of Spilinga marching band performs the two national anthems. There is Mayor Enzo Marasco, Vice Mayor Franco Barbalace and the full city council, but above all the people of Spilinga at the event that seals a bond that has existed for more than 50 years: the friendship between Spilinga and Newark in New Jersey.

The two cities signed a twinning pact that will aim to foster Trade, Culture and Tourism. Connected via streaming was U.S. Mayor Ras J. Baraka who emphasized the deep bond between the two communities. A bond that dates back to the beginning of the 20th century when many Spingese emigrated to the United States in search of a better future.

Emigrants like Francesco D'Agostino, who after 50 years has returned to his native country. Almost every citizen of Spilinga has a relative or friend in the US. Spilingesi doc, they call themselves, who have almost forgotten the Italian language but who do not forget their roots.

In 1927 the "Splilingese Social Club" was founded in Newark with the aim of welcoming and uniting newly arrived migrants, ensuring not only a first point of reference but also a place of help for anyone in need, with care for the sick and financial support for the unemployed. The Spiking migrants also built their own church, "Mount Carmel," on Oliver Street and specifically in Newark's Iron Industries neighborhood. Today, this church stands as a testament to the religiosity and cultural traditions of the migrants as well as an everlasting reminder of the many immigrants whose small and hard-earned donations accomplished the impossible.

Another merit of the Spaniards who migrated to Newark was that, in 2000, they contributed their donations to renovate a church in their hometown. At the same time, on the grounds of Mount Carmel they built a "copy" of the Spilingese shrine of Our Lady of the Fountain, as a memorial and testimony to their faith and devotion as well as a sign of their nostalgic bond with their home country. The ties with the country of origin are continuously renewed and strengthened through the travels of many people who return to Spilinga, driven by family ties and friendship. From today, this will be reinforced through the twinning between the two towns.