Genoa and Columbus, Ohio, celebrated the 70th anniversary of their sister-city relationship with a week of events that drew civic leaders, cultural organizations, and families connected by heritage and history.
The bond between the Italian port city of roughly 580,000 people and the Midwestern U.S. capital of about 900,000 residents began in 1955, just a decade after the end of World War II, and has grown into a multifaceted partnership spanning education, culture, and economic exchange.
A central moment in the celebration was the reception at Genoa’s historic Palazzo Ducale, where city officials welcomed a large delegation from Columbus that included government representatives, educators, and members of the Italian-American community. Many delegates had personal roots in Liguria, reflecting a broader migrant story in which Genoese and Italian families settled across the United States over the past century. In Columbus alone, more than 50,000 residents identify as having Italian ancestry, and Italian cultural festivals are annual highlights of the city’s calendar.
The anniversary events emphasized both memory and future cooperation. Delegates visited the Migration Museum in Genoa, where exhibits explore the journeys of millions of Italians who emigrated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The U.S. delegates participated in discussions about how migration shaped community identities and how these stories endure through generations. School groups, many of whom have participated in past exchange programs, shared projects and performances that highlighted connections between Ligurian traditions and life in Ohio.
City leaders from Genoa and Columbus also held roundtable meetings focused on expanding economic cooperation. Topics included sustainable ports, technology partnerships, and the promotion of Ligurian agrifood products, such as olive oil and specialty preserves, to Midwestern markets. Officials spoke about programs aimed at strengthening small business ties, with the goal of increasing trade and cultural commerce between Italy and the U.S.
Community celebrations featured public concerts, shared meals, and cultural performances that brought thousands together. Local chefs from Genoa prepared regional dishes, while Italian-American groups from Columbus showcased music and dance at several venues around the city. These gatherings reinforced how food and tradition act as bridges between continents.
Looking ahead, the two cities shared plans to expand digital school exchanges, host joint cultural festivals, and launch sustainability initiatives addressing port resilience and climate adaptation. The 70th anniversary was celebrated not only as a milestone in memory, but as a springboard for deeper cooperation that will shape the next decade of transatlantic friendship and shared opportunity.
