On Thursday, May 15, 2025, the Fourth Annual Little Italy Walking Tour invites the public to explore Omaha’s rich Italian-American heritage through stories, historic landmarks, and authentic cuisine. Organized by the Carlentini Omaha Association USA, Inc. and the Nebraska Trailblazers, this unique event begins at 5:00 PM at the Gene Leahy Mall Arch.

What makes this tour truly special is the collaborative effort. Volunteers from the Sons and Daughters of Omaha, Douglas County Historical Society, Cabrini Parish, Santa Lucia Festival Committee, and longtime residents enrich the tour with firsthand stories, bringing the past to life.

The Nebraska Trailblazers, a German-American walking group led by Sondra Spaulding, helps promote wellness and community engagement through this cross-cultural partnership.

Tour leader Sheri Kanger, a retired teacher and lifelong member of the neighborhood, shares inspiration and her personal story tracing her family’s roots back to Lucia Ciciulla, her great-great-grandmother, who immigrated from Carlentini, Sicily, in 1913 and settled in the heart of Little Italy. The tour winds through Omaha’s Little Italy, highlighting sites like the Howard Street Boarding Hotel, St. Frances Cabrini Church, Santa Lucia Hall, and former community staples such as Piccolo’s Grocery Store and Caniglia Dry Goods.

Stops along the way include treats like homemade sausage at the Sons of Italy Hall and cannoli at Santa Lucia Hall. The evening concludes with delicious pizza served by Jim Hall, featuring the iconic recipe from Orsi’s Italian Bakery.

This free event is open to the public, but registration is required through the Nebraska Trailblazers. Free-will donations are welcome to support brochures and event costs, helping the Carlentini Omaha Association USA, Inc. keep this meaningful tradition alive.

Whether you're walking for the history, the food, or the sense of connection, this tour offers a heartfelt experience and a true taste of Italy, in the Urban corridor of southeast Omaha.

Details for the Fourth Annual Little Italy Walking Tour: Thursday, May 15, 2025at 5:00 PM. Gene Leahy Mall – Meet at the Arch. Registration: Sign up with the Nebraska Trailblazers