We The Italians

St. Stephen's day, history and traditions of the December 26 holiday in Italy

St. Stephen's Day, observed on December 26th, is a Christian holiday commemorating the first martyr of Christianity, as recounted in the New Testament. In Italy, this day has been a public holiday since 1947, aimed at extending the Christmas celebrations. St. Stephen is recognized as the first Christian martyr, often referred to as the "protomartyr." He was among the seven deacons chosen by the ea...

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World War II Italian American Army nurse veteran celebrates her 105th birthday

On Dec. 20, World War II Army nurse veteran Regina Benson celebrated her 105th birthday. Born on Dec. 20, 1919 in Philadelphia to Italian immigrant parents, Regina was one of nine children and a twin. Inspired by a sense of patriotic duty, Benson served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps in Hawaii, Okinawa and Japan from September 1944 to 1946. She provided critical medical care t...

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Michael Palma publishes a new translation of the Divine Comedy

Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy is one of the most significant works in Western literature, captivating readers for over 700 years. Its profound themes, intricate structure, and timeless exploration of the human condition have made it a cornerstone of literary and philosophical study. Translating such a masterpiece into English, or any language, is a monumental task that has been undertaken by man...

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In 2025, the wonderful Palazzo Te in Mantua will celebrate its 500th anniversary

In 2025, Mantua's Palazzo Te will commemorate its 500th anniversary, marking half a millennium since its construction between 1525 and 1535. This Renaissance masterpiece, conceived by Federico II Gonzaga and brought to life by architect and artist Giulio Romano, stands as a testament to the era's artistic innovation and the Gonzaga family's cultural patronage. Originally envisioned as a place of l...

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Suze Rotolo, the Italian American muse behind Elle Fanning’s character in A Complete...

In 2024, the film A Complete Unknown was released, offering a cinematic portrayal of Bob Dylan's early career and his relationship with Italian American Suze Rotolo. Directed by James Mangold, the biopic stars Timothée Chalamet as Dylan and Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, a character inspired by Rotolo. The film delves into Dylan's rise in the 1960s folk music scene and his personal life, particular...

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The super guide to Italian frying

“Everything tastes better when fried”: and how to disagree with this proverb, as old as Italy, that we all keep repeating when we talk about food. The smell, the crispy texture, the warm and velvety filling (when present) are an irresistible mix and everything takes on a different essence. Frittura is undoubtedly a landmark of Italian gastronomic culture, the most popular preparation, smelling of...

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Italian American Sport Club award dinner, scholarships awarded

An awards dinner was held at the Italian American Sport Club this past weekend in Gates. Several folks and groups were recognized for their contributions to the community. The special event honored Frank DiMino. His donations have helped with building improvements, a new parking lot and even a bocce ball court. In addition, roughly $25,000 was distributed among six high school and college students...

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The Jubilee: A Sacred Tradition in the Catholic Church

Yesterday, Pope Francis officially inaugurated the 2025 Jubilee by opening the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica. The Jubilee is a unique blend of ancient traditions, religious significance, and contemporary relevance. It serves as a moment of profound spiritual renewal for believers while also impacting the social and cultural fabric of Rome. The Jubilee is one of the most profound and significa...

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New York Supreme Court Judge Dominic Massaro Dead

The Italian Cavaliere di Gran Croce della Repubblica Italiana Judge Dominic R. Massaro. passed away in the last few days. He enjoyed a prominent career that spanned half a century as a Judge at the Supreme Court of New York. To pay final respects, Pelham Funeral Home (64 Lincoln Avenue, Pelham, NY 10803) will be open on Friday, December 27, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. And the mass of Christian Buria...

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Preserving the spirit of Calabria’s Christmas past

Calabria, the southern tip of Italy’s mainland, is home to Christmas traditions that are as lively as they are deeply rooted in faith and community. Over the years, some of these customs have faded, yet they remain a powerful reflection of the region’s unique cultural identity and the shared joy that once defined the holiday season. One of the most evocative Calabrian Christmas traditions is the...

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From USA

New England

Former Hartford Deputy Mayor Al Marotta dies at age 90

Former State Rep. and former Hartford Deputy Mayor Al Marotta has passed away, according to his family. His death was reported to News 8 by his daughter-in-law, the mayor of Rocky Hill, Lisa Marotta. Marotta was the son of Italian immigrants and orga... Read More

New York

Italian American Sport Club award dinner, scholarships awarded

An awards dinner was held at the Italian American Sport Club this past weekend in Gates. Several folks and groups were recognized for their contributions to the community. The special event honored Frank DiMino. His donations have helped with buildin... Read More

East

Owners of chic Italian NJ restaurant to open modern eatery and bar in New Brunswick

For six years, Mangia Toscano has been a cornerstone of the Metuchen dining scene, offering traditional Tuscan fare devoid of the Italian-American eats that permeate many New Jersey restaurants. And now, co-owners and Florence, Italy, natives Alberto... Read More

South East

Join Us at The Tour of Italy Expo Village @ The Giro d’Italia USA Weekend!

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend celebrating sports, health, fitness, fun, and everything Italian will come together at the Tour of Italy Expo Village, held inside the World Golf Village Renaissance Hotel. January 18-19, 2025 at World Golf Vill... Read More

Great Lakes

Crain’s Chicago Business honors Antonio M. Romanucci on the 2025 Who’s Who in Chicago list

Romanucci & Blandin Founding Partner Antonio M. Romanucci is being recognized for his professional and civic contributions by again being named to the annual Who’s Who in Chicago list, published by Crain’s Chicago Business. Crain’s 2025 issue of The... Read More

Midwest

Olathe Italian restaurant Toni’s unveils new Shawnee location

A locally-owned Italian restaurant that got its start in Olathe has planted roots further north. Toni’s Italian Restaurant opened its doors in Shawnee last week, in the former home of breakfast eatery Flapjacks ‘n more. The restaurant moved into a sp... Read More

South

It's official: Trump nominates Tilman Fertitta as US Ambassador to Italy

Tilman J. Fertitta, a renowned American businessman, philanthropist, and sports team owner, has been nominated by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the United States Ambassador to Italy. Fertitta is well-known for his leadership in busine... Read More

West

La Spiaggia Ristorante — an Italian restaurant gem in Ocean Shores

It sounds like La Spiaggia Ristorante has a fan for life in Cal O’Brien. With reviews like his, it’s clear the restaurant will add more loyal customers like him. “My wife and I agree this is the best Italian food we’ve had outside of Italy,” O’Brien... Read More

California

Italian American Museum Unveils 'Creative Minds' Exhibition

At the heart of downtown L.A., the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (IAMLA) has launched its latest exhibition, "Creative Minds," offering visitors a compelling journey through the innovations that have shaped American life. The exhibition, whi... Read More

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