Italian-American Heritage Month

Celebrate Italian-American Heritage Month in October!

Italian American Heritage Month was officially recognized in 1989 under the Bush Administration. The month was chosen to coincide with Columbus Day to recognize and honor the achievements of Italians in the field of exploration. 

This month is a very special month for all Italians, but especially those who do not look Italian or regularly proclaim their Italian heritage. Look for fun and novel ways to explore Italian culture.  

This month is extremely important to Italians because it celebrates and recognizes them and their unique history in the Americas. Thousands of Italians risked their lives to immigrate to America which changed many aspects of their individuality including their names. The group has assimilated into the culture, but they have not always been welcomed. Many Sicilians faced discrimination due to the common stereotype that everyone from Sicily was in the Mafia. When immigrating, many did not speak English and often had to work in factories or mills. Despite discriminatory practices, many  Italians fought in history-altering wars and are proud of their heritage as well as their new country. During this month, they share gratitude and fondness toward America and the opportunities she has provided them. Many families choose to share their stories about their successes and their American dream.  

Despite a few Little Italy communities in northern cities many Italians often feel forgotten or have slowly lost their culture. This month helps them to connect with others and learn fascinating connections to random strangers. For instance, Italians often find that their great-grandparents were friends back in the homeland. My grandfather is a second-generation immigrant and grew up in a household where not all family members spoke English. He lived in an Italian neighborhood, but his family chose not to fully embrace the culture in their household. The only Sicilian education he formally remembers is a few words of Sicilian to converse with his grandmother. A few years ago, my family became more interested in the culture, but unfortunately, we do not celebrate many of the traditions. As a third-generation Italian immigrant, I love learning about my heritage and finding other people who share my culture.

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