An all-American double feature for the COLUMBUS INTERNATIONAL AWARD®™ during Italian Heritage Month: the 11th edition in New York and the 12th in San Francisco.
A traveling event since its inception, this international award honors individuals and organizations that have excelled in promoting and protecting Italian culture, or in supporting the needs of their local Italian community. Photos and videos are available at www.columbusinternationalaward.org.
Both editions opened with the writings of Christopher Columbus: “Our Lord knows well that I do not endure all these hardships to amass treasures or discover them for myself, for as far as I am concerned, I know well that everything done in this lower world is in vain unless it is done in honor and in service to God.” This text has reached us through the Historia de Las Indias (Volume I, Chapter 146), the monumental historical work by the Dominican friar Bartolomé de las Casas, who transcribed and supplemented the Genoese navigator's original diaries and documents.
Special thanks go to the Support Partners who made the 2026 American editions possible: General Fruit, AdviceTourism, Bottega Branca, COLUMBUS SPRITZ™, and Polot 1882. Gratitude also extends to everyone who contributed to the success of these events, especially Pasqualino Buonfiglio, Andrea Castello, Fabio Chiavassa, and Joe Kage.
New York Edition
The 11th edition took place on October 12, 2026, at Saint Patrick's Old Cathedral School, celebrating major anniversaries and historic milestones.
The award consists of a personalized parchment certificate and a large, fully handcrafted ceramic plate Made in Italy by Master Artisan Agostino Branca.
Massimiliano Ferrara, President of Fondazione ITALY and founder of the award, opened the ceremony by thanking Fr. Luigi Portarulo for his hospitality and for granting the patronage of the Crow Together Foundation, alongside Patronato ACLI USA (represented by Stefano Marruso) and the Mediterranean Foundation (represented by Jennifer Adriana LaDelfa). As is customary, special recognition was given to law enforcement officers, whom President Ferrara referred to as “our human Guardian Angels.”
Before beginning the ceremony, Dr. Ferrara gave the floor to Fr. Luigi Portarulo of Saint Patrick's Cathedral and Fr. Claudio Antecini of Brooklyn’s historic Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church. Fr. Antecini introduced a moving musical interlude by Máire S. Close, who delighted guests with the sweet melody of her flute, weaving a musical journey of departures, farewells, voyages, arrivals, and new discoveries, while never forgetting one's origins and roots.
Real-time English translation, including the reading of the citations, was provided by Zuzanna Altamanova.
Honorees:
-
Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations – New York
The award was presented directly to Ambassador Giorgio Marrapodi, who expressed his gratitude and shared the recognition with the entire staff (past, present, and future) dedicated daily to its institutional mission. The award was conferred during a private meeting at the United Nations offices. Ambassador Marrapodi was also presented with the COLUMBUS COLLECTION™ gift box, the first recipient in the United States.
Citation: For its vital contribution to multilateral dialogue and its steadfast commitment to promoting peace and international cooperation on the global stage of the United Nations. The Permanent Mission stands as a guardian of human rights and a champion of Italian culture and know-how, embodying the spirit of unity and cross-cultural bridge-building that defines the legacy of Christopher Columbus.
-
Blaise Biagio Benevenga
The 82nd Columbus Day Parade on the morning of October 12 provided the setting for this presentation, amidst thousands gathered along the streets of New York. Aboard a float surrounded by songs and Italian flags, President Ferrara honored the artist for sharing Italian music and culture through numerous performances and concerts across the United States and Canada.
Citation: Through his musical arrangements, Blaise Biagio Benevenga—an authentic voice of the Italian-American spirit—has united generations across the Italian-American community. By infusing modern energy into classic Italian songs, he has transformed his love of heritage into a musical bridge between two worlds.
-
The Italian Heritage & Culture Committee of New York
The award was accepted by the dedicated Vice President, Maria Marinello, who presented President Ferrara with a commemorative frame showcasing the 50th-anniversary magazine cover featuring every front page from the organization’s five decades of service.
Citation: For 50 years of extraordinary, unbroken dedication to preserving, celebrating, and sharing Italian cultural heritage, language, and traditions throughout the United States. Thanks to their efforts, New York City embraces the colors of Italy every October, celebrating the arts, language, science, and the invaluable contributions of Italians to building this nation.
-
Ciao USA TV
Accepted by CEO Joe Barone, who noted he was honored to receive this international recognition.
Citation: For establishing a strong, innovative cultural bridge between Italy and the United States through rigorous and sustained commitment, highlighting Italian excellence, identity, and culture abroad while championing Italian heritage within the Italian-American community.
-
Il Newyorkese
Founder Davide Ippolito accepted the award from the organizer.
Citation: For standing out as an essential media resource for the Italian and Italian-speaking community in New York and across the United States, skillfully and passionately portraying the intersection of American life and Italian excellence while showcasing the stories, talents, and traditions of Made in Italy.
-
FDNY – New York City Fire Department
A solemn tribute honored the many American and Italian-American victims 25 years after the 9/11 tragedy, preceded by a violin performance by Fr. Johannes Siegert. Paul Miano, a member of the FDNY and emergency medical operations supervisor, accepted the award in uniform.
Citation: On the twenty-fifth anniversary of the attacks on the Twin Towers, we remember with deep emotion and pride the many Italian, Italian-American, and American firefighter heroes who embodied the finest values of our community and the unbreakable bond between Italy and the United States through the ultimate sacrifice of their lives and tireless dedication during rescue efforts. Their sacrifice remains an indelible light of hope, brotherhood, and heroism—an enduring testament to courage, selfless devotion, and service.
-
Figli di San Gennaro Inc.
The awards concluded by commemorating the 100th anniversary of the first Feast in 1926 and the 30th anniversary of the incorporation of Figli di San Gennaro. President Vivian Catenaccio accepted the honor.
Citation: Serving as a cultural, religious, and community cornerstone preserving Italian heritage through sustained commitment, turning tradition into an enduring bridge connecting Italy, New York, and the United States while celebrating 100 years since the first festival in 1926 and 30 years since its incorporation.
The ceremony concluded with a performance of "Volare" by young artist Mario Vinci, great-grandnephew of Domenico Modugno, followed by a reception hosted by Patronato ACLI New York.
Relive the New York 2026 edition: https://youtu.be/xwtMf9Wbu3I
San Francisco Edition
The 12th edition was hosted at Mona Lisa, an Italian restaurant serving San Francisco for more than 40 years. The event coincided with the exhibition honoring Saint Francis on the 800th anniversary of his death, marking the patron saint of Italy’s first such exhibition in the United States.
Following opening remarks on October 15, Dr. Ferrara introduced Valter Stoppini (Mayor of Assisi), Annalisa Rossi (President of the Assisi City Council), Fabrizio Leggio (Councilor for Tourism and Sister Cities), Br. Marco Vianelli (Provincial Minister of Umbria and Sardinia), Br. Saul Tambini (Guardian of the Porziuncola), Br. David (Guardian of the Sanctuary of La Verna), and Pasqualino Buonfiglio (Vice President of Fondazione ITALY).
The presentation of the parchment certificates and handcrafted ceramic plates by Master Artisan Agostino Branca followed:
-
Amazing Category Award: Angela Mia Alioto
Awarded to Angela Mia Alioto, promoter of the Saint Francis exhibition in San Francisco, the first city sistered with Assisi.
Citation: For her distinguished career and dedicated efforts to honor the legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi while promoting peace, solidarity, and international cooperation, serving as an inspiring example of excellence worldwide.
-
Amazing Category Award: Maurizio Florese
Presented to restaurateur Maurizio Florese.
Citation: Through vision and steady commitment, Maurizio Florese has transformed Italian culinary culture into a bridge of cultural and personal connection between Italy and the United States, serving as a true ambassador of Made in Italy.
-
Excellence Category Award: Knights of Saint Francis of Assisi
Accepted by Tiziana Borsellini, member of the Knights of Saint Francis of Assisi in Italy.
Citation: For unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting the legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi, celebrating their essential role as a spiritual, cultural, and charitable bridge between Italy and the United States.
The gathering in California concluded with a group toast.
Relive the San Francisco 2026 edition: https://youtu.be/YvvI8zv8JfE
