The children of Garibaldi had a fundamental role in the construction of modern Guayaquil. 

Italians were involved locally in commerce, the service industry, and in manufacturing.
In the 19th century, the Italians were the most populous community of foreigners in the city. In 1882, their need to defend their communal interests led them to start the Garibaldi Society of Italian Assistance.

As capital accumulated in the port city of Guayaquil, Italians diversified their involvement in the economy by starting financial institutions. In 1919, a group of Italians led by Bettino Berrini started the La Previsora society (a bank). In 1924, the Banco Italiano was started, and it promptly opened a branch in Manabí. It later became the Bank of Guayaquil.

Guayaquil’s architectural growth in the early 20th century bears the stamp of Italian companies and architects. Italians built the Municipal Palace (1925), as well as new middle class neighbourhoods in the expanding city. The Italian Company of Construction, est. 1921, declared in 1932 a worth of 600,000 sucres (the sucre in 1932 was worth 5.95 1932 U.S. dollars, so 600,000 sucres then is the equivalent today of about $1.5 million U.S. dollars). They built the Luis Vernaza General Hospital, the Municipal Market, España Garage, and private residences.

Italians were also involved in early artistic movements in the city. They were essential to the establishment of fine arts schools and the first art galleries. Pedro Pablo Traversari was the first director and teacher at the Antonio Neumanne conservatory.

One of the most interesting stories of the legacy of Italians in Guayaquil was their role in the birth of Ecuadorian aeronautics. In 1919, Ricardo Descalzi raised money within the Italian community to establish a pro-aviation society. This society sent Cosme Renella Barbatto to Italy to study flying. After three years he returned as a professional pilot, and in October 1913 was the first to overfly Guayaquil in an airplane: the first episode of Ecuadorian aviation.

Italian food has also had an impact on local eating. Chocolate, cookies and pasta have long been manufactured by Italian companies like La Universal, La Roma and La Unión.. And in the 1930s, half of all liquor sold in the country was sold by Italians.

The communities’ social progress was based on effort and mutual support. The built modern social spaces and contributed to the city’s growth.

Original story