City of Blue Island Think Outside the Loop
Blue Island is officially linked to three sister cities: Estancia de Ánimas, Mexico, and Ripacandida and Castrolibero, Italy. Each city holds a special connection in Blue Island’s history and development – many Blue Island families can trace their ancestral roots to these places, and some still return to these areas to visit family and friends.
In August of 2021, Mayor Fred Bilotto, Treasurer Jairo Frausto and 2nd Ward Alderman Luiz Montoya visited Villa González Ortega, Zacatecas, to sign a new Sister City agreement with their Municipal President, the Honorable Imelda Mauricio Esparza. While in Zacatecas, Mayor Bilotto, Treasurer Frausto, and Alderman Montoya attended a special ceremony with Municipal President Imelda Mauricio Esparza.
In May 2024, Mayor Bilotto visited Blue Island’s Italian Sister Cities, Ripacandida, and Castrolibero.
There, Mayor Bilotto met with the Mayor of Comune di Ripacandida, Michele Donato Chiarito, and his administration, visiting local businesses and churches.
The ties between Blue Island and Ripacandida are strong and date back to the origins of our city. The east side of Blue Island became home to many immigrants from Ripacandida, where they founded St. Donatus Church in honor of Ripacandida’s patron saint.
Many Blue Islanders are familiar with the Feast of St. Donatus – an annual festival on the city’s East Side at the catholic parish of St. Donatus – and the procession of the Saint through the streets surrounding the church. This tradition was brought to Blue Island by immigrants from Ripadandida, where the feast has been celebrated for generations.
Our connection to these sister cities is a testament to Blue Island’s spirit of diversity and inclusion. While they help to celebrate our rich and storied past, they also serves as examples of what we strive to be – an open, welcoming community to people of all races, genders, beliefs, and sexual preferences.
