10 Sep 2024
As of now, about 150,000 Pakistanis live in Italy, making it home to the largest Pakistani diaspora in Europe. Many of them work in Italy and send money to Pakistan from Italy. However, the Pakistani community in Italy still has much room to grow compared to Pakistani communities in the United Kingdom (UK), Middle Eastern states or the United States of America (USA). This is because Pakistani migration to Italy picked up its pace in the 1990s, which was relatively late.
Nevertheless, due to Italy’s multicultural nature, it is quickly becoming one of the top destinations for Pakistani migrants to set roots in. Besides family reunification, many Pakistanis migrate to Italy for economic reasons. They find jobs that ensure financial stability and enable them to send money while maintaining a good lifestyle.
Other than the Pakistani Embassy in Italy’s cultural diplomacy efforts, a couple of associations also promote Pakistani culture in Italy. Various festivals, events and celebrations are held to remind people of home and to introduce Italians to Pakistan’s rich cultural practices. Such events sometimes inform people how to send money online to Pakistan from Italy. Below are some of those associations working to build a beautiful image of Pakistan in Italy:
The IFTCF is a prominent organization that not only promotes education but also organizes cultural events and festivals to engage the Pakistani diaspora in Italy.
The Pakistani Sports Club in Italy holds major events in cities like Brescia, which are home to many Pakistani immigrants. These events are an amalgamation of sports and cultural programs.
This association aims to promote cultural integration between Italians and Pakistanis by hosting cultural events, often in collaboration with other organizations.
Throughout the year, many events are organized on smaller and larger scales. The purpose is merely to engage the Pakistani community living in Italy and showcase Pakistani food and culture to Italian society.
This event, organized by the Pakistani Sports Club Italy, will take place in 2024 in Brescia, Italy. The coveted festival features cricket, volleyball and traditional kabaddi matches. It caters to all, with food stalls showcasing Pakistani cuisine, traditional clothing stalls and embroidered accessories. Dhol (traditional drums) is a signature element of almost all Pakistani festivals, and this sports club festival takes advantage of the opportunity. Many Pakistani immigrant families participate in festivals like this to reconnect with their heritage and culture.
Pakistan’s most cherished fruit, mango, is loved not only in Pakistan but also worldwide. As part of Pakistani culture and food promotion, Mango festivals are held annually in many countries where the Pakistani diaspora exists, and Italy is no exception.
Every year, Pakistani households in Italy prepare delicious mango desserts for the festival. Mangoes of various kinds, including Sindhri and Chaunsa, are displayed for people to taste, buy and relish their memories of the homeland. The festivals often showcase other cultural elements, such as traditional Pakistani embroidery and clothing, not just mangoes.
Many Italians attend the food and culture festival in coordination with the Pakistani community in Bologna and the Pakistani Consulate. The event includes showing a documentary on Pakistan, patriotic songs, and food and clothing stalls. Showcasing Pakistan’s rich culinary heritage and vivid culture, the festival brings the Pakistani community in Italy together and introduces Italians to the soft image of Pakistan.
Since most Pakistanis are practicing Muslims, Eid celebrations are a mandatory part of their lives. Festivals held to celebrate such religious events are especially important for Pakistanis who miss their family back home. Especially on Eid, Pakistani immigrants make a money transfer from Italy to Pakistan and attend festivals held by the Pakistani community in Italy to avoid feeling homesick.
For Pakistanis, Independence Day holds immense significance no matter what part of the world they live in. Pakistanis in Italy also celebrate the 14th of August to remind themselves of their origin and inculcate a patriotic spirit in their children.
Often, the Pakistani embassy and consulates organize special events for this day. The Pakistani community is invited, and everyone contributes to the organization and decorations for the event. It usually begins with the national anthem of Pakistan and a patriotic speech. Food stalls, cultural heritage displays and singing patriotic songs with flags in each hand are staples of the entire event.
Rich Pakistani culture and heritage are evident in Pakistani festivals held in Italy. They are a way of reconnecting the Pakistani diaspora in Italy with their roots and showcasing a soft image of Pakistan in Italy. Cultural exchanges are crucial because a strong, integrated Pakistani community will encourage other Pakistanis to find opportunities to settle in Italy. If they can earn a decent livelihood in Italy, they can also make an online money transfer from Italy to Pakistan to support their families back home.
You can easily send money during festivals through online transfer services, ensuring it reaches you in time for celebrations. This allows your loved ones to enjoy the festivities without financial stress fully.
Sending money during non-peak hours might help avoid delays, though services like ACE Money Transfer usually offer quick transfers. Planning can also ensure that your money arrives when needed.
Some services offer promotions or lower fees during major festivals, so it’s good to check. These offers can help you save money while supporting your family during festive times.
Use a reliable transfer service that guarantees timely delivery, especially during busy periods. Checking the transfer times in advance can help you plan better and avoid any last-minute hassle.
Online money transfer services are famous for convenience, speed, and low fees. These services make sending money from the comfort of your home or on the go easy.
