At lunchtime Friday, the smell of Italian cuisine will begin wafting inside City Hall. It will be a welcome reminder that Festa Italiana returns to the intersection of Washington and Montgomery streets this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Festa is one of Syracuse’s most loved cultural festivals. I am excited this great tradition is back again this year after a COVID-19 hiatus in 2020.

Italian Americans are an integral part of the rich and diverse culture that makes Syracuse a great place to live. Italian immigrants began arriving in this nation in the late 1800s. Many were drawn to Syracuse by the opportunities available in the growing city. They worked on important projects that helped fuel Syracuse’s continued ascent. Italian Americans overcame prejudice and persecution to emerge as strong and effective leaders across all sectors of our community.