When myths and imaginaries incentivize migration, the case of the Barcelonnettes in Mexico

Abstract

French migration to Mexico during the 19th and 20th centuries included a group that became famous thanks to their success: the Barcelonnettes. These merchants from the Alps set their course for the New World, looking for a temporary job that could improve their living conditions and allow returning to their homeland after one or two decades with their pockets full of hope. This paper analyzes one of the mechanisms that came into play to promote migration to such distant and unknown lands: the myth and the imaginary of success for everyone. Without a doubt, this was one of the strongest drivers for decision-making by young migrants and marked a milestone in local history.