San Diego's Italian Church Holds Annual Festa & Blessing of the Fishing Fleet

 

Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, an Italian National Parish in San Diego will hold its "Marian" or "Our Lady of the Rosary Festa." There is a special Mass where all parish societies and groups carry their banners in the opening procession. In years past the Bishop of the Diocese of San Diego, now a Cardinal, has celebrated the Mass. After Mass they, along with the public who are welcomed to join, process or parade through the streets of the Little Italy neighborhood down to the harbor. There, along the Embarcadero, a boat is blessed, and fireworks are set off. The procession then parades back to the church where there is a benediction and doves are set free signifying peace. Afterwards there is a complimentary luncheon in the Parish Hall.

Our Lady of the Rosary Festa commemorates the October 7th victory of the combined Christian European fleets of the Holy League of 1571 over the Ottoman navy at the Battle of Lepanto and was originally called the "Feast of Our Lady of Victory."

Below are photos from past Festas. 

What: Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary

Where: Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church

1668 State Street San Diego, CA 92101

(619)234-4820

OLRSD.org

When: Sunday, October 1st, 2023

11:00 am Rosary

12:00 Mass

1:30 Procession

Past Festas:

Festa 2018 Album

Festa 2017 Album

Festa 2016 Album

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Convivio Society of San Diego Announces Endowment Campaign for larger Cultural Center

 

The Convivio Society of San Diego, a nonprofit that celebrates all things Italian and brings art and culture to San Diego's Little Italy, announces its endowment campaign for a new cultural center! 

 For the last two decades, with patronage and guidance from its supporters, the Convivio Society has brought unique, innovative arts and cultural programming:

• It has developed a space in Little Italy that serves as the neighborhood's heritage, event, and visitor center;

• It has established the Italian Archives of San Diego to preserve our cherished artifacts and recount our collective historical narrative, so vital to the development of San Diego;

•  It has published books on the history of Little Italy and San Diego's fishing industry;

• It has brought you concerts, artisan exhibits, presentations and lectures, films, and we have partnered with like-minded groups to further our impact through collaborative programs and projects;

• It has brought Italian consular services to Little Italy to help co-nationals;

• this spring, it will embark on our ambitious documentary series on the Italian heritage and culture of San Diego;

• and it is working to re-establish the much-cherished Sicilian Festival in San Diego 
  

And now the Convivio Society is seeking support to make its vision of a larger cultural center, a home for all of San Diego's Italians, Italians everywhere, and for those that wish they were, a reality! To donate to this worthy cause, and support other worthwhile causes and programming by the Convivio Society, click here: givebutter.com/contribute

Festa Italiana is set for October 7th, 2023 in Little Italy of Los Angeles at San Pedro

 

Festa Italiana is set for October 7th, 2023

 Festa Italiana is set to take place again this year in San Pedro, Ca on October 7, 2023. This authentic Italian festival will bring Italian vendors and entertainers to the downtown streets of San Pedro to celebrate Italian Heritage Month in a big way. 

If you are looking to get involved with Festa Italiana with sponsorship, vendors or other opportunities please email info@lilaa.org for more information.

More here

The Italian Californian at the 2021 Festa Gallery

90th Festa Italia to Return to the Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park in Downtown Monterey on September 8-10, 2023

 90th Festa Italia to Return to the Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park in Downtown Monterey on September 8-10, 2023

Monterey, CA. July 2023. Don’t miss the award-winning 90th Festa Italia, celebrating Monterey’s Italian heritage and cultural traditions. Join us for this special festival honoring the local fishermen of Monterey, both past and present. This event’s free entertainment line-up, described below, is unrivaled!

This popular family friendly free event shares the sights, sounds, food, and culture that make the Italian experience so special. It is a celebrated festival each year drawing locals and visitors from the Bay Area and beyond. It features three days of authentic Italian cuisine, great music, dancing, fun and friendship. The delicious flavors of Italy are enjoyed by attendees with tasty food offerings (for purchase) including Calamari, Steak and Sausage Sandwiches, Pasta, Arancini, Cannoli and more, as well as wine, beer, sodas, and water. There is also an array of Italian and Festa Italia-themed merchandise as well as vendors selling crafts and clothing. NEW this year will be an array of special 90th Anniversary Festa Italia merchandise.

The first Festa Italia in Monterey was celebrated in 1933 when a statue of Santa Rosalia, the patron saint of Sicilian fishermen, was donated to the San Carlos Cathedral. Sicilian fishermen would pray to their patron saint for a safe journey and bountiful harvest. It is important... more here...

Read More

What: 90th Festa Italia held by the Festa Italia Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization

Festival Entry Cost: Free

Where: 20 Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park, Downtown Monterey

When: Friday – Sunday, September 8-10, 2023

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Museo Italo Americano presents “The Eurydice Problem”

 

Thursday, September 14, 2023
6:00 PM PST - Via Zoom

“The Eurydice Problem”

Join us for an exclusive online lecture on “The Eurydice Problem” with Professor Alexandra Amati!

Professor Amati will examine the differences in men’s and women’s music since the birth of the opera genre, as well as the ways in which misogyny and antifeminism have influenced the development of operatic plots, casting, and staging over the centuries.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

COST:
Free Museo Members
$10 Museo Non-Members

INFO & RSVP: HERE
or by calling the Museo at 415.673.2200, 
or by email at info@sfmuseo.org

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Part of the BRAVO Cultural Program
In collaboration with Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco

Looking forward to seeing you!!

Photo: Muzio as Tosca in Puccini’s Tosca, 1932. By Lawrence B. Morton. Courtesy of San Francisco Opera Archive

Julian Grape Stomp Festa September 2, 2023

 

Julian Grape Stomp Festa

September 2, 2023
11 am to 5 pm – at Menghini Winery

1150 Julian Orchards Dr

Returning in 2023 – Please join us as we celebrate our 26th anniversary of the Julian Grape Stomp Festa! We are excited to be continuing the old-world tradition of kicking off your shoes, rolling up your pant legs and letting tons of blessed grapes squish beneath your feet!

Regular Admission – $25.00

Includes Wine Glass & One Tasting (for those 21+), Stomping & Great Entertainment
Additional Tastings are $1.00 each 
2023 will also include additional shaded seating areas

Children 6-20 $7.00

More here

NIAF and City of Genoa Join Forces to Strengthen Cultural Ties and Foster Growth

 

NIAF and City of Genoa Join Forces to Strengthen Cultural Ties and Foster Growth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Genoa, Italy – August 7, 2023) – The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) and the Municipal Government of Genoa have embarked on a dynamic partnership aimed at promoting education, research, cultural exchange, and economic growth in their respective nations. The two organizations recently inked a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that solidifies their collaboration on these key initiatives. This strategic partnership further enriches the longstanding relationship between the United States and Italy through joint initiatives and collaborative programs. The MOU signifies the Parties' shared commitment to advancing their respective missions and achieving common goals. Key areas of collaboration include: The Legacy of Christopher Columbus and Centro Studi Colombiano Recognizing the profound impact of Genoese native Christopher Columbus' historic voyage to the Americas in 1492, NIAF and the Genoa Municipal Government will spearhead efforts to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of Columbus and his enduring legacy. Esteemed academics and professors specializing in Columbus studies will engage in knowledge exchange programs, while a biennial conference in Genoa will explore the ongoing impact of Columbus' exploration. The Prestigious Premio Paganini Violin Competition Both organizations will unite to publicize the renowned Premio Paganini Violin Competition in their respective countries. Named for the Geneose master violinist Niccolo Paganini the award celebrates the exceptional talents of musicians worldwide. Showcasing the National Museum of Italian Emigration Acknowledging the profound influence of Italian emigration on Italy itself and the significant contributions made by the Italian diaspora to their adopted countries, NIAF and the Genoa Municipal Government will collaborate to promote the National Museum of Italian Emigration which is located in Genoa in honor of the role the port city played in transporting Italian emigrants to destinations around the world. (From left to right) Consigliere Comunale of Genoa Barbara Grosso, NIAF Exec Vice Chair John Calvelli, Mayor of Genoa Marco Bucci and NIAF President Robert Allegrini after agreeing to the signing of the MOU between the city of Genoa and NIAF. "This agreement with Genoa will expand NIAF's reach and provide new ways to share the Italian culture on both sides of the Atlantic," said NIAF President Robert Allegrini "As the birthplace of Columbus, Genoa holds deep meaning for Italian Americans and we are honored to solidify our commitment to preserving our rich Italian heritage." Mayor Marco Bucci of Genoa echoed this sentiment, saying, "Genoa values its historic ties with the United States and vibrant Italian American community," said Mayor of Genoa Marco Bucci. "We look forward to increasing collaboration through this partnership with NIAF." NIAF will serve as the exclusive agent for Genoa in the United States, ensuring the successful realization of the MOU's objectives. ### PRESS CONTACT: Gabriella Mileti Director of Special Programs and PR | NIAF 202-939-3116 (o) gmileti@niaf.org About NIAF The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in the United States that promotes the Italian culture and heritage. Founded in 1975, NIAF has been a leading advocate for Italian Americans, preserving their legacy and promoting their contributions to the United States. About ECOSOC The Economic and Social Council is at the heart of the United Nations system to advance the three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental. It is the central platform for fostering debate and innovative thinking, forging consensus on ways forward, and coordinating efforts to achieve internationally agreed goals. It is also responsible for the follow-up to major UN conferences and summits. The UN Charter established ECOSOC in 1945 as one of the six main organs of the United Nations.

© 2023 www.NIAF.org, All Rights Reserved.

San Diego's Italian Church Celebrates 100th Anniversary

 

100TH ANNIVERSARY TRIDIUM

AUGUST 17 –19, 2023

For 100 years Our Lady of the Rosary has served as a beacon of hope to her members of Faith.  She has served as the center of a neighborhood to celebrate faith, family, community and traditions.  This August we celebrate the community and the Church that saved and re-built Little Italy.  

Join us for a community Triduum that culminates with an evening party in front of our historic Church celebrating those that came before us, sacrificed to build our parish and continue to build and preserve our community. MORE HERE

Be part of the dream! Support The Italian Californian and help us unify and share the Italian American community of California!

 Be part of the dream! Support The Italian Californian and help us unify and share the Italian American community of California!

While we at The Italian Californian are a small, little-known start-up online magazine, we do have the critical mission and goal of unifying and representing the Italian-American community in Californian. We at The Italian Californian support this endeavor through the selling of advertising space and the support of you, our beloved and respected readers. So please be part of the dream, add your voice and action to our passion, and support this online magazine by donating any amount. We at The Italian Californian can not thank you enough and know that you will find this action exceptionally personally rewarding. Mille grazie!!

Click here to contribute

-Christopher Forte,

President & CEO & Editor-in-Chief

Memorial Day 2023

 

TheItalianCalifornian.com wishes you a happy Memorial Day, knowing we are only free to celebrate it because of our military heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice, who gave their lives for our freedom and nation. 

Spring News from the Italian Cultural Society of Sacramento

 

Spring news from the  Italian Cultural Society of  Sacramento:

Click here to read the April-May newsletter of the Italian Cultural Society.

San Diego's Italian Church Celebrates the Feast of Saint Joseph

SAN DIEGO- Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in San Diego's Little Italy is not only a designated Italian National Parish but is also home to a Saint Joseph's Society, thus every year the parish has a big celebration for the Feast of Saint Joseph, also known as La Festa di San Giuseppe, or La Tavola di San Giuseppe, Saint Joseph's Table. There is a special Mass with a presentation from the society afterwards, a procession, and a luncheon in the hall. I could not make it this year however, I am sure it was celebrated with a heavy heart having just lost our beloved pastor, Fr. Louis Solcia (see here). 

History 

"There are several versions of how the Table came to be. Some sources date it to events in 1262 or 1268. One of the most-repeated accounts describes a famine or drought in Sicily leading landowners or farmers to promise St. Joseph that if his intercession brought about rain, they would serve a free meal to the local vergineddi (little needy children) or vicchiareddi (old people). This is reflected even today in the practice of all donations or proceeds from the meal being given to the poor, or a charity." Read More Here.

I am not a professional videographer, but you may still enjoy the cell phone video below of parts of the 2019 St. Joseph's Day Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary, San Diego. This is a short clip of the opening procession. You can view the full video here.

There are more photos here. And you can read about St. Joseph's Day here.

Our Lady of the Rosary is located at 1629 Columbia St. San Diego, CA 92101

Email: parish@olrsd.org

Phone: 619-234-4820

Web: OLRSD.org

Grazie! Auguri!

More video here.
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