A sister–city partnership between Parma Province in Emilia Romagna and Stockton, California has just been reaffirmed. The final meeting took place at the Reggia di Colorno – with Parma Province President Alessandro Fadda hosting a U.S. delegation led by Diana Maccini, Teresa Hart, and joined by Michele Speroni.
The Parma–Stockton link goes back decades – to WWII, when two young men from Parma, Luigi Maccini and Mario Speroni, were captured by American forces in Africa and sent to a labor camp in Stockton. There, thousands of Italian Americans visited the camp daily. It was during that time that Luigi met Alma – the daughter of a Genoese immigrant couple living in Stockton. Luigi and Alma married in Parma, at San Giovanni, in 1948 – and had two children, Roland and Diana.
Diana Maccini – currently vice president of Stockton’s Sister City Association – was instrumental in renewing the sister–city bond 27 years ago. It was officially established in 1998 by then–Provincial Councilor for Trade and International Relations Carlo Dall’Aglio, alongside Michele Speroni, then responsible for twinning and productive activities.
Over time, the relationship has grown stronger – with both Parma and Stockton collaborating in arts, culture, education, food, sports, and tourism. In recent weeks, the tie was further reinforced with meetings at the University of Parma, at the hotel–school in Salsomaggiore, and visits to emblematic facilities of Parma’s economy – cheesemakers, prosciutto producers.
President Fadda expressed excitement: “Twenty–seven years of cultural exchange and economic partnership are a real asset for both regions. It’s gratifying to see the sister–city agreement still thriving – with fresh energy from both Parma and Stockton. It’s an opportunity for mutual growth.”
During the visit, the Americans were also shown a short film titled The Marriage of Two Cities, which narrates the bond between Parma and Stockton.
