In the Italian home of the early to 20th century, the centre of daily activity was around the hearth or fireplace. Here is where all the family’s food was cooked and hence a lot of communication and social interaction took place. This hearth is known as “focolare” in Italian or “fogolar” in the local Friulan language of the north-eastern region called Friuli-Venezia-Giulia.
A representation of the fogolar can be seen on the logo at the top of this page. It evoked feelings of nostalgia and longing for home for literally millions of emigrants and their descendants from this region spread around the world. No wonder then they chose to get together around their local “fogolar” in their new adopted homelands.
The Fogolar Furlan originally provided a place for migrants to get together and not feel so isolated as they were so far from home. They could speak their language, play cards and eat in an environment reminiscent of home. Today, there are many descendants, relatives and friends of these original members who set up the Fogolar Furlan. At meetings and social events Italian, English and Friulan languages can be heard and this creates a welcoming atmosphere where the typical Friulan hospitality is extended to all.