by Nickolas Marinelli

For many years, the most coveted invitation in the Italian Community of San Francisco had been for the annual celebration of the Festa della Repubblica Italiana, held at the Italian Consulate. Being on "the list" was considered a great honor, and for many, the only chance they would have to see the inside of the Italian Consulate in Pacific Heights. It also provided bragging rights to those who attended, and placed one in the rarified company of the leaders of the Italian Community.

When word got out that the new Consul General, the Honorable Mauro Battocchi, was going to shake things up a little, there was initial apprehension. After attending last year's celebration as a guest, Consul Battocchi saw the difficulty of wanting to be more inclusive, but being confined to a venue already bursting at the seams with guests. 

Read more

Fonte: L'italo-Americano