The rise of Dr. Jill Jacobs Biden, the first Italian-American first lady in US history, has awakened interest in a quiet corner of Sicily, a region rarely visited by tourists and characterized by its scenic beauty, sheep-dotted fields, and rustic farms. This beautiful side of Sicily boasts cliff-hanging sanctuaries, lookout towers, and breathtaking views of the Aeolian Islands. Historically, visitors would merely transit through to hop on ferry boats.However, with the Biden victory, this tranquillity has been disrupted, as locals are increasingly aware that Dr. Biden’s Italian ancestors may have originated from the area. The city of Messina is at the center of this genealogical exploration, with researchers delving into the Biden family history and looking to pinpoint the exact towns involved.The Search for RootsLocal researchers and distant relatives have drawn attention to two rural villages that claim to be the birthplace of Dr. Biden’s great grandparents. After arriving in the New World during the late 19th century, they Americanized their Sicilian surname, Giacoppo, to Jacobs. Moreover, a few other nearby villages may also lay claim to ancestral ties.This surge in interest regarding the “Biden connection” is not just a fleeting moment; it has the potential to enhance the tourist appeal of these previously obscure locales. The local sentiment can be summed up as a sense of pride, fueling what Italians refer to as “campanilismo,” or territorial rivalries, even though these competing villages seldom admit such feelings.A narrow alley in Gesso, Sicily © Silvia Marchetti / Lonely PlanetCastanea delle FurieIn the village of Castanea delle Furie, a community nestled high in the hills, pride in their agricultural heritage has led locals to step forward, claiming familial ties to the Biden family. Giovanni Giacoppo, a resident, recalls stories from his grandfather about a distant relative who emigrated to America and never returned. He asserts, “I’m convinced our surname Giacoppo originated in Castanea delle Furie.” This village has roots predating the 1700s, making it a significant contender for Jill Biden’s ancestral ties.The name “Castanea delle Furie” ties back to the area’s ancient chestnut groves, while its picturesque landscapes are complemented by a traditional Christmas nativity scene, where locals don costumes. The prospect of linking to Dr. Biden could yield financial gains for the village, with potential investments earmarked for infrastructure development.A Baroque church in Gesso © Silvia Marchetti / Lonely PlanetGesso’s ClaimsMeanwhile, in Gesso, a small and tranquil village known for its narrow alleyways, claims regarding the Biden ancestry have emerged as well. Local researchers assert that Dr. Biden’s great grandparents were born here. They have uncovered historical documents and traced back familial connections, including at least five eighth-degree cousins. Gesso enjoys a historical rivalry with Castanea delle Furie, and the excitement over Biden’s election has resonated deeply among locals, leading to street celebrations.Further InvestigationsHowever, Gesso and Castanea’s assertions faced challenges from another Sicilian researcher, who posited that the Giacoppo lineage might not originate from either village. While Dr. Biden’s great grandmother was certainly from Gesso, her great grandfather’s origins remain uncertain and may lie in a different nearby village, as revealed by expert Fabio Cardile. He emphasized, “Finding Jill’s great grandfather’s exact village requires meticulous examination of numerous archives and is undoubtedly a lengthy process.”As the quest for the Biden family name persists, it encompasses the exploration of approximately 150 towns within this eastern Sicilian region, ranging from coastal areas to rural locales.
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