Benvenuti! (Welcome!) Italian-American Heritage Month is an annual designation observed in October. During this time, we celebrate the Italian-American culture, and spread the word about the traditions that come with it. Italian-Americans have made many contributions to the U.S., especially in art, humanities, and sciences. In 1880, Italians began migrating to the U.S. to flee rural poverty in Southern Italy and Sicily, and today, Americans of Italian descent are the nations fifth-largest ethnic group.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Use #ItalianAmericanHeritageMonth, or #ItalianAmericanHeritage to post on social media.

Honor the 18 million Americans of Italian descent who have brought their vivacious, fun, and tasty culture to America. If you have Italian in you, make sure your family history, traditions, and values stay alive! Tell stories that have been passed down, show old pictures, and (our personal favorite) cook up a big traditional Italian meal!

Many Italian-American families have meaningful accounts of hardships, discovery and drive that brought them to where they are today. Take your children, grandchildren, friends, and other family members on a cultural journey. Believe it or not, it’s actually National Pasta Month and National Pizza Month as well… so if you’re looking for the right time in your life to start cutting out carbs, now’s not the time. Remember to take a few pictures of how you choose to celebrate this month, and post on social media with the hashtags listed above. We’re anxious to see how you bring forth a slice of Italy! 

HISTORY

Italian-American Heritage Month was first celebrated in 1989 when it was proclaimed by President and Congress of the U.S. to honor the achievements and contributions of Italian immigrants and their descendants living in the United States. 

Celebrating Italian American heritage? Enjoy some of these favorite foods.