The Little Italy of Los Angeles Association (LILAA) is proud to announce the official program on the occasion of Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month 2023. Celebrated in October every year by proclamation of the President and Congress, Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month honors the sacrifices, the achievements and contributions of the millions of Italian immigrants and their descendants living in the United States, particularly in the arts, science, and culture. 

The opening of Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month has been spearheaded by the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association in collaboration with the Council District #15 represented by Councilmember Tim McOsker. In particular, the Council District # 15 and the town of San Pedro boast the largest concentrated Italian community in all of California, comprising approximately 40,000 people.

We are thrilled to announce that the celebrations will officially start on the night of October 6th, when the Los Angeles and San Pedro City Hall buildings will be lit up with the colors of the Italian flag.

On Saturday, October 7th , Downtown San Pedro will host Festa Italiana between 11am and 10PM: this Italian street festival will be open to the public and feature many authentic and renowned food and merchandise vendors as well as some live entertainment and other activities.

On this occasion, the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association and Council District #15 in the presence of Deputy Consul General in Los Angeles Dr Lorenza Errighi will be honoring some of the people who have distinguished themselves in the community.

Among the honorees, Councilmember Tim McOsker; renowned Italian TV journalist and producer Valentina Martelli; restaurateur and philanthropist Nima Karimi and the Italian American Women's Club that just turned 100 years old.

The celebrations will continue on October 20th with the support of the CD15 - City of Los Angeles: LILAA President Mario Amalfitano, Vice President John de Girolamo, Cultural Affairs Ambassador Anna Manunza and the Board of the Little Italy of Los Angeles Association will be welcomed by the City Council with a delegation of Italian dignitaries in Los Angeles comprised by the Consul General of Italy Dr. Raffaella Valentini; Deputy Consul General Dr. Lorenza Errighi, Dr. Emanuele Amendola Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles as well as some other key members of the Sistema Italia.