The Italian Heritage Parade Board of Directors cordially invites you to the 2024 Grand Ball – at the JW Marriott, 515 Mason St., San Francisco. Ticket includes three course seated dinner and live entertainment/music from Perry Sings Sinatra & Martini Straight Up.
If you have any questions about the Grand Ball, please contact Molly Leveroni First: (415) 680-0309 / mleveroni@gmail.com.
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Heritage Months in the U.S. were created to highlight the contributions of ethnic groups that have shaped the country but were often left out of textbooks and popular culture. These months aren’t about dividing people but about recognizing the unique histories and cultures that make up America. Italians, like other groups, advocated for their own heritage month to ensure their contributions to the country are honored.
Today, nearly every ethnic group has its own heritage month, from Irish to Asian to Italian, as a way of ensuring their histories are shared and respected. However, it’s important to remember that while these months celebrate distinct cultures, they also highlight the ways in which all Americans are connected.
Why We Americans of Italian Ancestry Should Care About Our Heritage
Italian Americans, like many other cultural groups in the United States, have a rich heritage that contributes to the diverse mosaic of American culture. Preserving and celebrating Italian American history and culture is important for several reasons:
1. **Identity and Heritage**
- **Cultural Identity:** Celebrating one's heritage helps maintain a sense of identity and continuity, linking individuals to their ancestors' traditions, values, and histories. This can provide a sense of belonging and pride in one's community.
- **Family Ties:** Many Italian American families place a strong emphasis on the importance of family and preserving their heritage helps strengthen these bonds across generations.
2. **Contribution to American Society**
- **Historical Contributions:** Italian Americans have played significant roles in various aspects of American society, including politics, arts, science, and business. Celebrating these contributions highlights their impact on the nation's development.
- **Cultural Contributions:** Elements such as cuisine, festivals, and religious traditions have become integral parts of American culture, enriching its diversity.
3. **Education and Awareness**
- **Combat Stereotypes:** Like many cultural groups, Italian Americans have faced stereotypes and discrimination. Celebrating their true history and culture helps dispel these stereotypes and educate others about the community’s real character and contributions.
- **History Lessons:** It's important for younger generations to understand the struggles and triumphs of their ancestors, including issues like immigration challenges and integration into American society.
4. **Preservation of Language and Art**
- **Language:** Maintaining the Italian language within families and communities helps preserve an essential element of cultural expression and communication.
- **Art and Literature:** Italian art, whether through music, literature, or visual arts, is a vehicle for cultural expression and continuity.
Why Not Just Be Proud to Be Americans?
Being proud to be American and celebrating one’s ethnic heritage are not mutually exclusive. The United States is characterized by its diversity and the unique blend of cultures that each group brings to the national identity. Embracing one’s roots enhances this mosaic, rather than detracting from a unified American identity.
Issues Facing Italian Americans Today
While Italian Americans are largely assimilated into American society and do not face the same level of discrimination as in the past, there are still relevant issues:
- **Stereotyping:** Media and popular culture often perpetuate narrow stereotypes of Italian Americans, particularly through associations with organized crime or by reducing the culture to simplistic ideas (like food or accents).
- **Loss of Cultural Identity:** As generations assimilate, there’s a risk of losing cultural traditions and language, which are integral to the community's unique identity.
- **Cultural Preservation:** As older generations pass away, there is a challenge in keeping cultural traditions alive and relevant for younger generations who may feel more disconnected from their heritage.
In summary, celebrating Italian American heritage is a way of recognizing and honoring the past, understanding the present, and preserving a unique cultural identity for future generations. It also contributes to a richer, more diverse American society where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Join us for an evening of live entertainment and Italian delights to celebrate 108 years of Italian Community Services as the heart of the Bay Area Italian community.
Enjoy an evening bursting with heart-pounding excitement and death-defying acrobatics by Dear San Francisco. Featuring an exciting live auction, hosted bar and reception.
JOIN US FOR THIS SPECIAL EVENT SHOWCASING
OUR RICH HISTORY, CULTURE AND TRADITIONS!
The Italian Cultural Society Presents
CLICK TO PURCHASE CELEBRATION EVENT TICKETS
In many Cities in California including Sacramento,
Columbus Day is also Italian American Heritage Day!
This year they are both recognized on October 12, which
is also the date Columbus discovered America.
Columbus Day is not only a national holiday but is a recognized
holiday in many cities and states across the nation. When we
celebrate Columbus Day we are celebrating the arrival of Western
Civilization to the Western Hemisphere and our own arrival on
these shores. The Columbus holiday has long been associated with
Italian Americans as a symbol of their national pride and identity
and their enormous contributions to America. The holiday is
celebrated throughout Italian-America with parades and festivals.
It is the one day of the year that Italian Americans across the
nation celebrate their heritage together.
RESERVATIONS ENCOURAGED
CLICK TO PURCHASE CELEBRATION EVENT TICKETS
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CLICK TO VIEW PAST COLUMBUS DAY EVENT PHOTOS
About the Gala
Saturday, October 26, 2024
5:30 pm Reception | 7:00 pm Dinner Awards Program | 10:00 pm After Party
Black-Tie or Military Dress Uniform
OMNI Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C.
To celebrate the great legacy that unites us and all the objectives achieved so far, NIAF organizes its Anniversary Washington, D.C. Gala every autumn inviting the President of the United States; figureheads from the political, financial and cultural arenas; illustrious Italian Americans; and about 1,000 guests from the United States and Italy. On this occasion, the Foundation awards honors to eminent Italian and Italian American personalities, who have distinguished themselves in their professional or civic role. Previous NIAF honorees include Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea & Veronica Bocelli, Joe Di Maggio, Sophia Loren, Roberto Benigni, Al Pacino, Leonardo di Caprio, Martin Scorsese, Nicholas Cage, Danny DeVito, Sylvester Stallone, Stanley Tucci, Aurelio & Giada De Laurentiis, Miuccia Prada, Massimo Ferragamo, Giorgio Armani, Gianni & Santo Versace, Paola Fendi, Susan & Giovanni Agnelli, Giuseppe Lavazza, Lee Iacocca, Stefano Domenicali, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Leon Panetta, Justice Antonin Scalia and other notables in business, sports, entertainment and politics.
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I am not an Italian. I am a proud, patriotic American. I was born and raised in the United States, I look at the world from an American perspective, and I am a product of American culture, in particular its pop culture. Admittedly, my lifestyle, my belief system, both politically and religiously, my taste in movies, TV shows, music, food, clothes, and so on... were all shaped by American mass culture, that is pop culture, than any customs and traditions my parents and grandparents had. Sure, we ate pasta on the Holidays along with traditional "American" foods (see my articles "Thanksgiving, Italian-American Style" and "Ideas On How To Celebrate An Italian American Christmas" here), sure, my older relatives would speak a foreign language when they didn't want me and my siblings to know what they were talking about, -in this case the language was Italian, - and yes, our last names ended in vowels as compared to my "fellow" White American classmates who had names like Smith, Brown, and Johnson. We had our own religious traditions too, but they weren't really anything ethnic, just Catholic customs that most other Catholics shared. So why is the focus of this website specifically Italian history and culture in California? Why do I even care about it?
Though I came from a thoroughly de-raciated, very stereotypical assimilated White American background with few vestiges of Italian culture, I attended culturally and racially diverse schools. In these schools both on the playground and in a classroom setting as part of a study course, I was forced to reckon with my racial and cultural background. Not satisfied with just being "White," and therefore no different from the Smiths and Johnsons, when I finally recognized my family's Italian background, no matter how faded it now was, I not only became proud of it, but I wanted to know more about it....
Being forced to think about my family's history and race got me researching both. I always knew we were of Italian descent, but I never recognized the significance of that, and it was never a major part of my everyday life. I was only around anything that could be called "Italian" when I was around my grandparents, and even that wasn't a lot. Everything else about Italians I only knew from Hollywood, and Hollywood hasn't always been kind to us. As I learned about the history of Italian immigrants in the United States in general, living in California as I was, I started focusing more on that region of the country regarding them, and after doing so, I became very angry.
Angry because I was cheated! So much rich history, fascinating stories and customs, that wasn't taught in schools. The largest mass lynching in American history wasn't in my school text books, for example. And everything we were told about Italians- the Roman Empire, the Italian renaissance, so on... I looked at as an outsider... I never knew that we were learning about my very own ancestors. Unlike my black, Hispanic and Asian friends who have whole chapters dedicated to their heritages in America and can identify with the characters in those chapters by the very fact that they are identified as Hispanic, Black and Asian. But no one ever called me "Italian" or "Italian American." Why is an American with black skin called "African American" even though they were never in Africa and may know nothing about African culture? But when I call myself "Italian American" or "European American" I get laughed at?
But I digress.... the point is I fell in love with my family's Italian history and customs, even if we don't practice them much if at all anymore, and dedicated my life to preserving, celebrating, and promoting them. I no longer call myself "Italian," or "Italian-American," or even "American-Italian." Because my everyday lifestyle does not reflect anything "Italian," but was formed and created by American pop culture. I AM AN AMERICAN. Who has a love for history and culture, for learning about other nations and cultures, so why not start with the nation and culture of my ancestors, Italy? I am an American.... of Italian descent thanks to my ancestors, and an American who loves all things Italian (but second to my love of America.) And this website and blog focuses on Italians in California because I happen to live in that American state.
Italian Americans have played a significant and often overlooked role in the history of the United States, notably during pivotal conflicts such as the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Their contributions underscore a deep tradition of patriotism and service to their adopted homeland, enriching America's narrative with their courage and commitment.
While the presence of Italian Americans during the Revolutionary War (1775-1783) was relatively limited compared to later conflicts, there were notable individuals of Italian descent who made significant contributions. Filippo Mazzei, an Italian physician, and close friend of Thomas Jefferson, is a particularly distinguished figure. Mazzei’s advocacy for liberty and human rights influenced the ideological foundations of the new nation, with Jefferson paraphrasing his writings in the Declaration of Independence.
Mazzei’s commitment to the American cause was unwavering; he actively promoted support for the Revolution in Europe, helping to garner crucial aid from France and other countries. While few Italians lived in the American colonies at the time, Mazzei exemplified the spirit of unity and support that characterized the contributions of Italian Americans in America's fight for independence.
The Civil War (1861-1865) saw a more noticeable involvement from Italian Americans, who fought with valor on both sides of the conflict. Their participation reflected the deep divisions within American society but also highlighted their integration and commitment to their new country.
One of the notable Italian American figures during this period was Colonel Luigi Palma di Cesnola, an immigrant from Italy who commanded the 4th New York Cavalry. Di Cesnola received the Medal of Honor for his heroism, particularly noted during the Battle of Aldie in 1863. His leadership and bravery were emblematic of the sacrifices made by Italian Americans during the war.
In addition to soldiers like di Cesnola, Italian immigrants contributed in other ways, such as through logistical support and supplying the forces. Their involvement underscored not only their desire for a united and free America but also their readiness to defend the principles upon which the nation was founded, even at great personal cost.
The patriotism of Italian Americans extends beyond their contributions to specific wars. It is embedded in a tradition of service and civic engagement. Throughout American history, Italian Americans have actively participated in political, social, and cultural development.
During World War II, the loyalty and patriotism of Italian Americans were once again evident despite facing significant prejudice and suspicion, particularly once Italy allied with Axis powers. Many Italian Americans served valiantly in the U.S. Armed Forces, while others contributed on the home front, demonstrating unwavering support for the United States.
Italian Americans have continued to influence the fabric of American society, with their rich cultural heritage contributing to the diversity that defines the United States. Today, their patriotism is celebrated through various cultural organizations and events, which help preserve their unique history and contributions.
The legacy of Italian Americans is a testament to their enduring patriotism and their significant contributions to the history and development of the United States. From the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, and through to modern times, Italian Americans have consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to their adopted homeland, enriching the nation with their bravery, service, and cultural heritage. Their story is a vital part of the broader American narrative, illustrating the diverse and inclusive spirit that defines the United States.
Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, stands as a symbol of freedom and unity in the United States. For Italian Americans, this day holds deep significance, serving as an opportunity to honor their adopted homeland while celebrating their unique cultural contributions. The intertwining of American and Italian traditions on this day highlights the profound patriotic spirit and rich heritage of Italian American communities.
Italian Americans have long demonstrated a strong commitment to American values and ideals. Their enthusiastic participation in Fourth of July celebrations is a testament to their patriotism. Across the country, Italian American communities engage in a variety of activities that blend both American and Italian customs, creating festive environments that celebrate freedom and heritage alike.
Many cities with significant Italian American populations, such as New York, Boston, and Chicago, host grand Independence Day celebrations that prominently feature Italian American participation. Parades are a highlight of these festivities, where Italian American organizations, such as the Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA), proudly march with the Stars and Stripes and the Italian Tricolore. These parades often include displays of Italian culture through traditional music, dance, and folk costumes, reflecting the dual heritage cherished by Italian American families.
Food plays a central role in Fourth of July celebrations among Italian Americans. Traditional American barbecue staples like hamburgers and hot dogs are often complemented by Italian favorites such as pasta dishes, cannolis, and gelato. It is not uncommon to find Italian American households hosting large family gatherings featuring both Italian and American culinary delights.
In cities like San Francisco and New Orleans, where Italian American communities are vibrant, public events during the Fourth of July often include food festivals showcasing an array of Italian dishes. These events not only celebrate American independence but also highlight the cultural contributions of Italian Americans to the nation's diverse culinary landscape.
Independence Day is also a time for Italian Americans to honor the service and sacrifices of their community members in the U.S. Armed Forces. Italian Americans have a proud history of military service, from early conflicts like the Revolutionary War and Civil War, to World War I, World War II, and more recent engagements. Memorials and ceremonies on the Fourth of July often include tributes to Italian American veterans, underscoring their dedication and patriotism.
For many Italian Americans, the Fourth of July is a day to reflect on the journey of their ancestors who left Italy in search of a better life in the United States. It is a day that symbolizes the freedoms and opportunities they found in America, allowing them to build prosperous lives while maintaining their cultural identities. The celebrations often include storytelling sessions where elders share tales of their immigrant forebears, fostering a sense of pride and continuity within the community.
Incorporating Italian cultural elements, such as opera performances, folk dances, and art exhibitions, into Fourth of July festivities helps Italian Americans express their dual identity. For instance, cities like New York host special events at Italian cultural centers, where community members can enjoy concerts featuring both the American national anthem and "Il Canto degli Italiani," the Italian national anthem. Such events promote cultural appreciation and unity, reinforcing the bonds between all Americans.
Independence Day is a day of profound significance for Italian Americans, embodying their love and loyalty to the United States while celebrating their rich cultural heritage. Their enthusiastic participation in July 4th festivities, with a blend of American and Italian traditions, exemplifies the integrative spirit that defines the American experience. As Italian Americans gather with family and friends, march in parades, enjoy festive meals, and honor their veterans, they continue to uphold the ideals of freedom and unity that the Fourth of July represents. This celebration not only highlights their contributions to American society but also reinforces the enduring values of diversity and inclusion at the heart of the nation.
To read more about Italian Americans and the Revolutionary War and patriotism, click here: Italian Americans and the Revolutionary War - Google Search , Italian Americans and patriotism - Google Search
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