by InTrieste
Eight years ago, a group of international residents came together to form what has now become one of the most vibrant expatriate communities in this picturesque northeastern Italian city. Last night, the group known as “Expats in Trieste” celebrated its milestone anniversary with a cake-cutting ceremony at Bar Tergesteo, during its weekly multicultural aperitivo.
Founded in 2016, Expats in Trieste has grown into a cornerstone for the city’s expatriate population, offering a welcoming space for newcomers and long-time residents alike. Over the years, it has played a crucial role in helping foreigners integrate into local life, providing opportunities for networking, cultural exchange, and friendship.
The group’s multicultural aperitivo, held every Thursday evening at Bar Tergesteo, has become a signature event. The gathering draws individuals from diverse backgrounds to mingle over spritzes and local delicacies, creating a melting pot of languages and stories in the heart of Trieste. Beyond the weekly meetups, the community organizes excursions across the stunning Friuli Venezia Giulia region, introducing members to the area’s rich heritage and natural beauty.
Expats in Trieste marked its 7th anniversary in 2023 with the launch of a new website, www.expating.it. The platform, designed to serve both incoming expatriates and curious visitors, offers a treasure trove of resources: from guides to navigating Italian bureaucracy to updates on local events and forums for connection. The website reflects the group’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the expatriate experience in Trieste.
Now in its 8th year, the group boasts a membership of over 4,000 people from around the globe. Members range from students and professionals to retirees, each bringing their unique perspective to the community. In a series of interviews conducted during the celebration, several members shared their journeys to Trieste and the bonds they’ve formed through the group.
“Moving to a new country can be daunting,” said one member, a software engineer from India. “But finding this community made all the difference. It’s not just about practical support—it’s about finding a home away from home.”
For many, Trieste’s blend of history, culture, and stunning seaside vistas was the initial draw, but the friendships forged through Expats in Trieste keep them rooted in the city. “Trieste is a magical place,” noted another member, an artist from South Africa. “And this group has given me a chance to share it with others while learning about their worlds too.”
As the candles on the anniversary cake were extinguished and the night unfolded with laughter and shared stories, it was clear that Expats in Trieste is more than just a group. It is a family—one that celebrates diversity, fosters connections, and continues to grow in the heart of a city that itself is a crossroads of cultures.
I will be arriving in Trieste on 11 February for a 3-week stay. Aside from Thursday evenings at Tergesteo, I’m hoping to get together with expats over drinks or lunch (my treat!) to jump start my effort to determine if Trieste is the city in which my wife and I can resettle.
I’m hoping to meet folks with common interests: I’m a retired European historian, a world traveler with 120 countries under my belt. Although we’ve acquired Italian citizenship thru my ancestry, my English, German and Spanish are better than the Tuscan Italian that I learned a half-century ago at university. I’m very outgoing, an excellent conversationalist with quite a sense of humor, but am eager to make contact right off the plane.
CONTACT INFO: Ingrao@Purdue.edu, laptop phone: 1-765- 889-2114.
I’m coming to town on June 1 with my husband (above) and would also like to become a member so that I can hit the ground running. Is there anything else I have to do to join?
Looking forward to meeting everyone.