For the fourth consecutive year, Festa Italiana Raleigh, Inc. arranged with the Office of the Governor to declare October 2021 Italian Heritage Month in North Carolina. “We could not be more grateful to the Governor for recognizing the special contributions that Italians and people of Italian descent have made to the history of our state, as well as nation,” said Frances Palermo “Fran” Giannuzzi, volunteer co-chair of Festa Italiana Raleigh.

She continued, “Our nation’s brilliant tapestry is enriched by the contributions of all people who live within our borders. This month we lift up in a special way the heart, mind, and brawn of our forbearers who have gifted us with our heritage and those of us who continue to help build this special land that we call home.” 

The proclamation (image of full text attached) reads in part: “… from the early explorers to the 5.5 million working class immigrants who arrived in the United States around the beginning in the 20^th century … Italian Americans have made significant economic and cultural contributions to our state and nation in the areas of government, science and technology, arts and entertainment, literature, products and design, and food …” 

Festa Italiana Raleigh--a nonprofit corporation--sponsors the largest, most diverse, annual public celebration of all things Italian and American Italian in North Carolina—food, music, dance, beverage, genealogy, and more! Festa Italiana Raleigh conducted its third annual Festa in the Glenwood South Neighborhood in Raleigh on Saturday September 25, 2021 in support of the Festa 2021 charities: Spare Some for Autism, which seeks to improve the quality of life for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder; and Military Missions in Action which assists active-duty personnel, veterans, and military families through programs that aid in independent living and morale support. 

For more information about Italian Heritage Month or Festa Italiana Raleigh, contact either of Festa Italiana Raleigh’s volunteer co-chairs, Fran Giannuzzi at [email protected]  or via 919-349-0138; or Anthony Luise, [email protected] or via 919.796.4494.