Marco [An iconic anime] ESP/ENG

How could I forget this wonderful anime I watched during my teenage years? Marco was a very determined Italian boy who set out to find his mother, crossing the ocean from his native Italy to Argentina after losing all contact with her. The poor boy faced many hardships—suffering theft, injustice, mistreatment, and plenty of rough times—but he also met good people who brought positive, valuable things into his life and helped shape his character. Yet he didn't make the journey alone; he was accompanied by his faithful little monkey, Amedio (who was absolutely adorable).

¿Cómo olvidar este precioso anime que llegué a ver en mi adolescencia? Marco era un niño Italiano muy determinado que se fue a buscar a su madre cruzando el océano desde su natal Italia hasta Argentina, después de haber perdido todo contacto con ella. El pobrecito tuvo muchas dificultades (sufrió robo, injusticias, maltrato y muchos malos ratos) pero también conoció gente buena, personas que aportaron cosas buenas y valiosas para sus vidas y que forjaron su carácter, pero él no iba solo, iba acompañado de su fiel monito Amedio (era toda una ternura)

The series possessed great emotional realism, as it starkly portrayed—despite being aimed at children—the trials and tribulations of emigration: what it means to leave everything behind in pursuit of a goal, and the sacrifices required to reach that desired destination. Yet, it is also a story about resilience and solidarity, about overcoming challenges and hardships, and about believing in one's own potential. That is why this anime does not sugarcoat or soften the realities of poverty and social indifference; instead, it reflects a society that marginalizes and humiliates others simply because it can, or because it fails to understand the reasons driving someone to leave everything behind. However, as I mentioned, the good people who bring about positive change are also part of that reality.

La serie tenía un gran realismo emocional, pues retrataba de manera cruda (a pesar de ser de corte infantil) los pormenores y sinsabores de la emigración, lo que representa para alguien dejarlo todo en busca de un objetivo, todos los sacrificios que hay para llegar hasta allá (al lugar que deseas alcanzar) pero también es una historia sobre resiliencia y solidaridad, es una historia sobre superación de retos y dificultades, sobre creer en tu propio potencial. Por eso en este anime no se "endulza" o "suaviza" la pobreza y tampoco la indiferencia social, el anime se convierte así en la realidad de una sociedad que margina y humilla solo porque puede o porque no comprende las razones que llevan a alguien a dejarlo todo, pero como les dije, la gente buena que transforma para bien también forma parte de esa realidad.

I remember watching this anime back in the 70s when it was hugely popular—and, wow, it still is today, because you can't mention *Candy* or *Heidi* without mentioning *Marco*. Newer generations might not be familiar with it, but if they give it a chance, I’m sure they won’t regret it; it conveys so many emotions—especially tenderness and admiration for those children who, as we know, have faced or are currently facing similar situations in real life.

Thank you for your attention; as always, I sign off by sending you virtual kisses and hugs 😘 🤗.