by Andrea Canepari

Greater Philadelphia boasts one of the largest, and most accomplished, Italian-American communities in the United States. The birthplace of the United States of America, Philadelphia is a city deeply connected to Italian values and the Italian way of life, exemplified by the rich universities, museums, art centers and neighborhoods and contributions of Italian heritage. I am proud to announce that the Consulate General of Italy—in partnership with area civic, academic, cultural and business leaders—is launching the second edition of Ciao Philadelphia in October 2015 after the success of its inaugural year in 2014.

This year, Ciao Philadelphia extends to include South Jersey with Rowan University and the state of Delaware to highlight the cosmopolitan and sophisticated nature of the entire region, due also to the significant Italian influence. Ciao Philadelphia is a month-long series of more than 60 events that highlight the contributions of Italians and Italian Americans to Greater Philadelphia and, indeed, the world.

Ciao Philadelphia truly has something to offer everyone. Daily events throughout October include opera, concerts, film screenings, food celebrations, exhibits, Italian race cars, performances and lectures, to name a few. Major highlights this year are the tours uniquely created for Ciao Philadelphia. From the historical tours at Independence Hall and Union League to the cultural tours at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Ciao Philadelphia highlights the international nature of the region established through the influence of its Italian and Italian American community.

Ciao Philadelphia is an engaging partnership with the most prominent cultural institutions of the region and various components of the Italian American community. Every landmark institution of the region with an Italian influence as well as all major universities are included. Ciao Philadelphia is a way to appreciate the Italian cultural heritage and connect the region with contemporary Italy, opening doors for even more economic and academic exchanges. The extensive media coverage received in Italy thorough Ciao Philadelphia helps to promote awareness about new opportunities in and with the Greater Philadelphia region.

Ciao Philadelphia is realized thanks to the support of the Ciao Philadelphia sponsors: AQUA, Philadelphia Energy Solution, PREIT, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, PECO, Fedegari Technologies INC, Dilworth Paxon LLP., AmeriHealth, American Airlines, Republic Bank, and Pennoni.

We are thrilled to be working with our partner organizations and sponsors to highlight the best of Italy and our Italian American community throughout October.

Andrea Canepari, LL.M.
Consul General of Italy in Philadelphia