"Houston has been designated one of the three Italian Capitals of Creativity in the World for 2026, a great achievement for the Consulate General and the entire Italy System in Houston," said Hon. Christian Di Sanzo, Member of Parliament elected in North and Central America and former President of the Comites in Houston.
"This is a prestigious recognition: the Italian Capitals of Creativity award, promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, highlights the most innovative projects of the diplomatic, consular, and cultural network dedicated to promoting Made in Italy, celebrating ingenuity and innovation in synergy with all components of the Italy System. And here in Houston, there is an extremely dynamic and fertile Italy System."
Among the projects presented, the Consulate General of Italy in Houston nominated "Lots of Italy in Houston," an initiative that highlights the contribution of the Italian and Italian-American community to the city’s cultural, scientific, and industrial growth through a series of events spread across the territory. "I want to thank Consul General Mauro Lorenzini for recognizing and enhancing the potential of the Italy System in Houston over the years, strengthening it in all its aspects.
This recognition is the result of the Consul General’s initiative, and I am proud to have supported a project from the beginning in Rome and in the institutions that showcases the vitality of this reality." "With this result, the Italian capital of creativity returns to the United States and North America, after Boston in 2024 and Detroit in 2023: a success that involves the entire Italian community of North America," emphasized Hon. Di Sanzo.
"Houston has always had a very strong Italy System, thanks to the Consulate General, the Italian Trade Agency, and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Texas, which has consistently ranked among the top in the world, and has been the organizer of the Taste of Italy event, one of the most important events for promoting Italian wines and products in the United States. These efforts are complemented by the cultural activities of the Italian Cultural and Community Center, a landmark for the Italian-American community.
Over the past three years, the new Comites has also stood out for its particularly intense activity and coordination with the community, a path that began during my presidency of Comites and has continued after my entry into Parliament.
Additionally, the local chapter of ISSNAF, an association sponsored by the Embassy of Italy in Washington, was established, promoting important initiatives for students and researchers, such as the Italian Research Day in the World with over 150 participants and more than 50 posters presented, organized thanks to the efforts of the Consulate General, ISSNAF, and Comites. All of this collective energy has certainly helped bring Houston to the attention of national institutions."
"After participating in the Creativity Festival in Boston in 2024, where the Italian community showed all its richness, I will certainly be present at this major event in Houston," concluded Hon. Di Sanzo.
