Italian American Podcast Episode. 351: From Filmmaking to Blogging, Margaret Fontana does it all!
Discover the evolution of Italian-American cultural expression and how we aim to reshape the narrative around our vibrant community. We welcomed the iconic Margaret Fontana to discuss her blog and the New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission she is part of. In our discussions, you can hear how we bring together voices and stories highlighting our tre...
The Jubilee of Calabrians: a 2025 celebration of roots, culture and community
In 2025 Calabria is set to host a special event that celebrates its rich cultural heritage and the deep ties of its emigrants and their descendants around the world. This event, known as the "Jubilee of Calabrians," will not only serve as a celebration of Calabria’s history, traditions, and identity but will also highlight the importance of the reg...
Italian American surfer Alessandro Slebir breaks world record with 33-meter wave at Mavericks, CA
Alessandro Slebir, an Italian American surfer, made history with his extraordinary ride on a massive 33-meter wave at Mavericks, California, breaking the world record for the largest wave ever surfed. Born to Italian parents, Slebir has been deeply connected to both his Italian heritage and his American roots. Growing up in the United States with a...
5 Life Lessons from 100 Years of Loro Piana
Varallo, Piedmont, is serene. In the heart of the Valsesia Valley, nearly at the border of Switzerland, the town reveals itself in quiet layers: narrow alleys that wind between centuries-old houses, the faint scent of woodsmoke coming from the snow mountain peaks beyond, and the Sacro Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage site, perched on a ridge above. ...
John Capodice dies: ‘Ace Ventura’ & ‘General Hospital’ Italian American actor was 83
John Capodice, an acting veteran whose credits included Ryan’s Hope, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, General Hospital and Seinfeld, died December 30. He was 83. The announcement was made on the website of the New Jersey Pizzi Funeral Home and did not list a cause of death. The funeral home called Capodice “a devoted husband, father and grandfather who...
Remarkable archaeological discoveries in Italy: unveiling the past in 2024
2024 has been a year of remarkable archaeological discoveries across Italy, shedding new light on the country’s rich historical and cultural heritage. From ancient Roman cities to newly uncovered frescoes and artifacts, these findings are deepening our understanding of Italy's past and its importance in the ancient world. Here are some of the most...
La Grande Famiglia: Celebrating the Italian American Experience Through Storytelling and Music
La Grande Famiglia is a new and innovative radio program on Rai, designed to celebrate and connect the Italian American community through the powerful medium of storytelling and music. This program, which airs on Rai Radio 1, explores the rich cultural exchange between Italy and the United States, reflecting the stories, struggles, and triumphs of...
Italy set for tourism boom in 2024: 45.85 million visitors expected
Tourism in Italy had a significant increase in 2024, with projections estimating at 45.85 million visitors, a 25% rise compared to 2023. This growth has been fueled by various factors, including the recovery of the global travel industry post-pandemic, Italy’s enduring appeal as a top destination, and strategic efforts to enhance the country’s tour...
The enduring legacy of Rome's 'Mr. OK' Tiber dive on January 1
The tradition of diving into the Tiber River from Ponte Cavour in Rome on New Year’s Day is one of the most iconic and enduring celebrations in the city. This ritual is centered around the figure of "Mr. OK," a title given to a courageous individual who leads the jump into the cold waters to mark the beginning of the year. While this tradition has...
Villa Tronco celebrates 85 years
In Columbia, SC, Villa Tronco is celebrating an anniversary in 2025. The local favorite has been a cornerstone of Italian American dining, offering guests a taste of authentic cuisine and rich local history since 1940. For those of you not proficient at math, this means Villa Tronco will celebrate 85 years in business soon after the New Year arrive...
Aquileia: the lost Roman metropolis that rivaled Rotterdam
What? Where is that? Never heard of it," most people would say. I hadn't either, until I came across some stunning mosaics - quite a few of them, I might add. And 'stunning' doesn't even begin to cover it. Aquileia was one of the most important cities in the inhabited Western world between 300 BC and 500 AD. The story of what was at the time, the n...
Get a taste of southern Italy without leaving the US at this unsung Rhode Island town
The tiny state of Rhode Island is known for various things, mainly its breathtaking coastline and beaches, gorgeous Gilded Age architecture, and spectacular Newport mansions. But it probably wouldn't be the first spot that springs to mind when you think about destinations in the U.S. with southern Italian vibes. However, it does have one place with...