Italian-American
Heritage Month
Why Celebrate Italian American Heritage and Culture Month?
By Ron Onesti
What began as a response to a tragic injustice involving eleven Sicilian men wrongly lynched in 1891, has evolved into a celebration of culture filled with food, family and innovation. It was President Benjamin Harrison who established a day in the name of Christopher Columbus on the 400th Anniversary of the explorer's maiden voyage to the New World as a gesture of reparation to the Italians. It was eighty years later in 1971 when Columbus Day became a federal holiday, which led to a Congressional and Presidential Proclamation of October as being Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month in 1989.
But it wasn't until July 28, 2023, that the State of Illinois finally recognized October as a time to recognize and to celebrate the traditions and achievements of Italians and Italian Americans. And it came as a result of tireless efforts of Illinois State Representative, Anthony DeLuca.
So here we are, this is an HISTORIC Italian American Heritage and Culture Month! There are festivities and events happening all over the map! Of course, the crowning glory will be the 72nd Annual Columbus Day Parade on October 14th, but almost every day there is some way of celebrating the wonderous culture of Italy.
But really, why celebrate Italian culture? This country has become such an ethnic mosaic of food, music, fashion, arts and innovation stemming from so many other countries, what makes Italy so special? As the universe becomes more challenging, complicated and blanketed by unsurety, what gives me the strength to face these hurdles is thinking about the past, and those who came before me. Those who left their hometowns, their families and their generations of traditions. They ventured off to a new world, with little or no funds, no command of the English language, and no secure future.
But they believed in themselves, they faced adversity, looked it right in the eye and stared it down. They were
intimidated, beat down physically and emotionally, and stereotyped against, even deemed "enemy aliens during WWII. Hundreds of thousands suffered curfews, confiscations, and mass surveillance, even sent to internment camps. Something you just don't hear about.
But yet, they continued to foster their traditions, were proud of who they were, and emerged from the sludge society attempted to keep them in. It was their faith, pride and inner strength that got us all to where we are today. So, when I am faced with my everyday challenges, I step back and take a moment to think about their struggle. They did not give up, they did not give in. It was those very traditions, the same ones we celebrate today, that gave them the strength to go on. And if it was good enough for them.
The month of October shouldn't be as much about "proclaiming" who we are as much as it should be "sharing who we are. What began in a country that could fit into one of our larger states has contributed much to this great country. So please, come celebrate with us!
Italian American Heritage Month Special Events
October 1 - 31
Italian Cultural Center
Traveling Exhibit
Location: Wherever
Time: Whenever
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The ICC’s 16-panel traveling exhibit of “Italians in Chicago” will be available for loan to libraries and other locations starting in October.​
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Contact: 847-951-9109 | dominic.candeloro@gmail.com
October 5
Italian American Police Association
59th Awards Dinner Dance
Location: Chateau Ritz (Niles, IL)
Time: 5:30pm
Cost: $125​
Featuring cocktails, dinner and an awards presentation. Honoring: Berwyn Police Chief Michael Cimaglia, Attorney David Petrich, Bedford Park Police Officer Steven Pelino, Philanthropist Dr. Willie Wilson, Chicago Police Lt. John Garrido
Contact: 847-338-4092 | iapail@yahoo.com | iapa-il.org
October 8
Italian American Chamber of Commerce
Meet Italy - Wine Tasting
Location: Volare Ristorante Italiano (Chicago)
Time: 9:00am - 1:00pm
An exclusive business-to-business program featuring 18 top Food and Wine Italian Companies. Come and taste the best Italian wines, olive oils, balsamic vinegar, cheeses and more.
Contact info@iacc-chicago.com or 312-553-9137
to learn more
For more info visit www.iacc-chicago.com/meet-italy
October 12
Greater Rockford Italian American Assoc.
Hall of Fame and Special Recognition Award Dinner
Location: Venetian Club (Rockford, IL)
Time: 6:00pm
Cost: $50 ​
Including cocktails, dinner and an awards presentation. Karla Clark will receive Special Recognition for Literature and Art; Paul Perrone will receive Special Recognition for Sports.
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Contact: kkcantele22@gmail.com
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October 13
Columbian Club of Chicago
Mangia! Speghetti Dinner and Italian Feast
Location: Casa Italia Festival Center
Time: 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Cost: $25/adults; $18/seniors; $7/kids
At this event, the menu will feature 15 different items, homemade wine will be served with the meal. There will be entertainment and a raffle. All proceeds will benefit Marklund Children’s Charities.
Contact: 630-918-2525
October 13
OSADIA | Grand Lodge of IL and WI
100th Anniversary Banquet
Location: Silver Lakes Country Club
(Orland Park, IL)
Time: 12:00pm
Cost: $65 per person
The event will feature cocktails, dinner, and scholarship presentations.
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Contact: lloparco51@gmail.com
October 14
Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
Columbus Day Parade Opening Ceremony
Location: State St. & Wacker Dr. (Chicago)​
Time: 11:45am
Pre-parade rally with uplifting speeches by local and visiting dignitaries and plenty of wonderful music amid a sea of Italian Flags.
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Contact: 708-450-9050 | jcc@jccia.com
October 20
Cegliesi Italo-American Association
50th Anniversary in Honor of Maria SS. Di Buterrito
Location: Empress Banquets (Addison)​
Time: 1:00pm
Cost: $95
The event will feature a Mass and procession followed by cocktails, dinner and dancing. A Novena will be celebrated at 7:30 p.m. from Oct. 15-18 in the Sacred Heart Chapel at Casa Italia in Stone Park.
Contact: 847-224-9324 | 773-551-1404
October 25
Calabresi in America Organization
Una Notte Di Ballo
Location: Empress Banquets (Addison)​
Time: 6:30pm
Cost: $125 per person​
The event will feature a cocktail hour, dinner, scholarships presentations, an installation of the board of directors, a raffle and entertainment by Daniela Crocco and DJ Alex. Frank DiPiero will serve as emcee.​
Contact: 630-346-5149
October 26
Italian Cultural Center
Italian American Heritage Month Presentation
Location: Florentine Room, Italian Cultural Center, Casa Italia (Stone Park)​
Time: 10:00am
Top Chicago historian Dominic Pacyga will speak on the role of Italians in Chicago history.
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Contact: 847-951-9109 | dominic.candeloro@gmail.com
October 5
American Italian Cultural Society
95th Columbus Day Banquet
Location: Holiday Inn & Suites (Joliet, IL)
Time: 6:00pm
Cost: $75 per person
Featuring a cocktail hour with cigar and martini bars, a four-course dinner, a program, guest speaker, scholarship and award presentations, a raffle, and live entertainment by
Jack D’Amico and Diva Montell.​
Contact: 815-585-5584
October 5
Mazzini Verdi Ladies Club
Italian Heritage Dance
Location: Mazzini Verdi Club (Franklin Park)
Time: 6:00pm
Cost: $65 (Open bar)
Featuring a delicious dinner and music will be provided by DJ Alex. Gourmet gift baskets will be raffled off. Guests will be sent home with
homemade pumpkin cookies.
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Contact: 630-443-8722 | 773-589-0388
October 11
Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
Flag Raising Cemerony
Location: Daley Plaza (Chicago, IL)
Time: 12:00pm
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To officially kick off the Columbus Day weekend, the JCCIA will host a festive ceremony featuring proclamations by elected officials, inspirational music and the raising of the Italian flag above Daley Center Plaza.​
Contact: 708-450-9050 | jcc@jccia.com
October 11
IA Labor Council of Greater Chicago
Dinner Dance
Location: Drury Lane (Oakbrook Terrace)
Time: 6:30pm
Cost: $165​
Featuring cocktails, dinner and an award presentation. Bob Reiter, President of the Chicago Federation of Labor, will be honored as Man of the Year at the event.
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Contact: 312-339-1437 | 630-853-9053
October 13
Greater Rockford Italian American Assoc.
Columbus Day Mass
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Location: St. Anthony of Padua Church
(Rockford, IL)
Time: 10:30am
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Mass will be celebrated, followed by a short ceremony in the church’s Memory Garden.
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Contact: 815-965-2761
October 14
Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
Columbus Day Mass
Location: Our Lady of Pompeii (Chicago)​
Time: 9:00am
Start the day on an inspirational note in a setting that has sustained us spiritually for generations. With flowers decorating the alter, music filling the air, Rev. Richard Fragomeni will stir our souls with his moving Homily.
Contact: 708-450-9050 | jcc@jccia.com
October 14
Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
72nd Annual Chicago Columbus Day Parade
Location: State Street (Chicago)​
Time: 12:30am
From Wacker to Van Buren. Board your floats and line the route as State Street is once again transformed into a mighty river of green, white, and red. Broadcast live on ABC7 TV.
Contact: 708-450-9050 | jcc@jccia.com
October 20
Des Plaines Theatre
Concert Feature
The Music of Henry Mancini
Location: Des Plaines Theatre (Des Plaines)​
Time: 3:00pm
Cost: $39 - $49
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birthday of Henry Mancini with a concert of his greatest hits accompanied by a concise narration of his remarkable life and career.
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Contact: desplainestheatre.com
October 25
Justinian Society of Lawyers
Halloween Costume
Charity Ball
Location: Venuti's (Addison)​
Time: TBD
Cost: TBD​
The event features a reception, dinner and dancing. Proceeds will be donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
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Contact: dupagejustinians.com
October 28
Italian American Veterans Museum
Perfect Pairing
Culinary Fundraiser
Location: Des Plaines Theatre (Des Plaines)​
Time: 7:00pm
Cost: $75
An exquisite culinary experience featuring delectable dishes and wines in the grand Italian tradition.
Contact: 708-338-0690 | info@iavmuseum.org
October 5
Italian American Chamber of Commerce
Gala and Awards Dinner
Location: CineCity Studios (Chicago, IL)
Time: 6:00pm
Cost: $350
Featuring cocktails, dinner and award presentations. Olivier François, Rev. Michael J. Garanzini, Rich Merlo, and Claudio Ulivieri will receive Excellence Awards at the gala.
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Contact: iacc-chicago.com/gala
October 7
Italian American Chamber of Commerce
Meet Italy - Wine Tasting
Location: Elio Pizza On Fire (Addison, IL)
Time: 9:00am - 1:00pm
​
An exclusive business-to-business program featuring 18 top Food and Wine Italian Companies. Come and taste the best Italian wines, olive oils, balsamic vinegar, cheeses and more.
Contact info@iacc-chicago.com or 312-553-9137
to learn more
For more info visit www.iacc-chicago.com/meet-italy
October 11
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish & Shrine
Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Fatima Parish Visitation
Location: OLMC Parish (Melrose Park, IL)
Time: 6:30pm
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Our Lady of Fatima visiting statue will be at Mt. Carmel for special adoration and mass. The event will include a Mass followed by a rosary, confession and benediction. ​​
Contact: 708-344-4140 | olmcparish.org​
October 11
Rosemont Theatre
Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons Live
Location: Rosemont Theatre (Rosemont)
Time: 8:00pm
Cost: $89 - $409
Discounted tickets are available through the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. Frankie Valli will be presented with the first annual Columbus Lifetime Achievement Medal earlier in the day.
Contact: jccia.org
October 13
Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
Presidents' Ball
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Location: Chicago Cultural Center
Time: 5:00pm
Cost: $150
Presidents of local Italian-American organizations will join forces with elected officials from every level of government to welcome the delegation from Italy to this elegant gala.
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Contact: 708-450-9050 | jcc@jccia.com
October 14
Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
Columbus Day
Wreath Laying Ceremony
Location: Arrigo Park (Chicago)​
Time: 10:30am
After Mass, the procession across the street to Arrigo Park for a solemn wreath-laying ceremony in honor of our Veterans.
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Contact: 708-450-9050 | jcc@jccia.com
October 14
Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
Columbus Day Parade Reception
Location: Casa Italia Festival Center​
Time: 3:00pm​
Join us at the Casa Italia Festival Center for an outdoor party like no other! Gather for an entertainment extravaganza and abbondanza of delicious Italian food, all free of charge!​​​
Contact: 708-450-9050 | jcc@jccia.com
October 20 - 21
International Wine Expo and Vinitaly
International Food and
Wine Expo
Location: Navy Pier (Chicago)​
Time/Cost: Varies
The largest Italian wine trade show in the U.S., Vinitaly offers professional buyers access to fine wines, masterclasses, exclusive dinners and
business and networking opportunities, with additional after-hours programming and a closing event open to the public.
Contact: vinitalyusa.com
October 25
Casa Italia
Film Festival
Location: Community Center, Casa Italia​
Time: 7:30pm
Cost: Free-will donations
Film screening of "L'Arminuta" (A Girl Returned), directed by Donatella Di Pietrantonio. Doors open at 7 p.m., refreshments provided, reservations required.​​​​
Contact: 708-345-5933 | casaitaliachicago.org
CELEBRATING OUR HERITAGE
Kick-off Italian American Heritage Month by proudly flying your Italian Flag!
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If you don’t have one yet, you can order one online today and the JCCIA will send you one. Order your flag now!
JCCIA
Contact Us
708.450.9050
3800 Division Street
Stone Park, IL 60165
@2024 JCCIA