2017 has been a stellar year for San Francisco, Italy, so much so that I’ve coined the phrases, “Italy by the Bay” and “Bay Area, Italy.” This past year offered the Bay Area Italian community a continuous, sparkling and varied array of events highlighting all facets of Italian culture.

In spring of this year, I sat down with San Francisco Italian Consul General Lorenzo Ortona for a conversation that provided insight into the year ahead. I asked him what 2017 had in store for the Bay Area Italian community, to which he replied: “The Consulate is organizing and supporting numerous events involving the many various aspects and sectors of Italian life, culture and community, including music, film, food, automobiles and technology.” And that commitment was well delivered!