Albanians in South America


The Albanians in South America are people of Albanian ancestry and heritage in such South America states as Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Uruguay. They trace their ancestry to the territories with a large Albanian population in Italy. They are adherents of different religions and are predominantly Christians, Muslims as well as Irreligious.

Argentina

During the great immigration from South Italians towards Argentina, there were also a lot of Arbershe people. They became part of the great European immigration towards South America in the 19th Century.
Most Albanians who migrated to Argentina were Arbëresh from southern Italy, while the rise of Albanian exiles in Argentina occurred in the early 20th century, with the arrival of about 20,000-30,000 Albanians.
Today, apart from some families in Rosario and Córdoba, almost all Albanians of Argentina live in Buenos Aires. Every year, on 29 November, the Albanian Patriotic Society of Skanderbeg celebrates the Flag Day with traditional Albanian songs and foods.
According to religion, most Albanians in Argentina are Christians, while a minority are Muslims.

Chile

Albanians in Chile are active with cultural events. It are ca. 60.000 Arbereshe who have emigrated due the high unemployment at that time in Italy.

Notable people