The Italian city they call 'the Cadiz of Italy' because of its strong resemblance: "Are we in the Silver Cup?"

There are places that, even though they aren't our own, make us feel at home. That's what happens to many Andalusians when they set foot in Gallipoli, a coastal town in southern Italy that's surprisingly similar to Cádiz. Narrow streets, the smell of the sea, carnival, processions, and fried fish: it doesn't take much more for the memory of the Silver Cup to appear almost unbidden.

And it's not just an isolated impression. In a recent episode of the program Andaluces por el Mundo , journalist Luis Márquez visited this town accompanied by Ángel, a Sevillian who has lived in the area for almost ten years. In fact, upon seeing this place, the reporter's reaction was immediate: "You stand here and it feels like you're looking at the city of Cádiz." And he may be quite right.

Given such a resemblance, Luis wanted to know what makes Gallipoli so similar to Cádiz. Ángel explained that one of the reasons is that the city is open to the sea , just like Cádiz. He also noted that the area has had a significant Spanish presence throughout its history, which also defines the local identity.

Another image that most connects Gallipoli with Cádiz is the afternoon activity at the port , when the boats arrive and sell fresh fish right on the dock. Ángel comments that around four or five in the afternoon—the pomerggio, as they say there—this moment occurs, as it does in many parts of the province of Cádiz, although here it usually occurs early in the morning.

On their walk, Luis and Ángel took refuge next to a church very special to fishermen, the Virgen del Canneto . Ángel explained that this image is taken out in procession, just like the Virgen del Carmen in the coastal towns of Andalusia. "The fishermen take it out," he added, noting that it is a major event for the town.

Similarly, Carnival is a very important event in Gallipoli . According to Ángel, the main street is closed off to celebrate a large carnival that attracts a large crowd, something he says is very reminiscent of the famous Cadiz festival.

The comparison between Cádiz and Gallipoli also extends to the table. Luis asked about fried fish, and Ángel responded that mixed fried fish is one of the most appreciated specialties there, "just like we do, with the fried fish of Cádiz. Exactly." This simple way of cooking with fresh seafood is another example of the similarities between the two cities.

Gallipoli isn't just similar to Cádiz because of its location and architecture, but because of the way it experiences the sea, its traditions, and its people. As Luis Márquez famously said: "We are in Cádiz, my friend." And perhaps this resemblance makes Ángel and other Andalusians who live there retain a little bit of their homeland despite living so many miles away.