MIGRANTS AND HOSPITALITY IN SICILY TODAY

Based on the author's long-term field research, the article examines the current relationship between migrants and the local population in Sicily, a region that traditionally demonstrates a high degree of tolerance to foreigners and that until recently was thought to be a 'haven of hospitality' and a 'promised land' for migrants. The author analyses new trends and sentiments emerging, notably, among people of different social and cultural backgrounds in the local society, and revealing a concern that the high level of assimilation of migrants, along with the growing number of them, might start to threaten the unique local ethno-cultural identity. Such sentiments are also shared by some of the migrants living in Sicily - in particular, by the stratum of acculturated 'newcomers' with a long experience of staying in the region, who position themselves as 'locals' and identify themselves with the Sicilians.