Durpetti earns Chicago street dedication
As part of Gene & Georgetti’s 85th anniversary celebrations, a portion of Franklin Street near the legendary Chicago steakhouse was officially dedicated as Way. Durpetti, who took over the restaurant in 1989 after the passing of his father-in-law, died last year. “It was a moment decades in the making and one that reflects the indelible impact Tony...
Holy cannoli! Festa Italiana demo to give Rockford (IL) a delicious 'taste of home'
Delicate fried pastry shells, dusted with powdered sugar and hand-filled with sweetened ricotta cheese — commonly known as cannoli — have long been a celebratory, special occasion dessert staple in Polly Matranga Happach’s family. “When the cannoli came out, it was a celebration, a big deal,” Happach said. “It was always a special occasion for a ca...
JCCIA hosts another stellar Dante/DiFrisco Awards Luncheon
The legacy of Florentine poet Dante Alighieri was once again celebrated as the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans hosted its annual Dante and DiFrisco Awards Luncheon at the Galleria Marchetti in Chicago on May 22. Lynn Sweet was the 2025 recipient of the Dante Award. A respected journalist for the Chicago Sun-Times for more than 40 years,...
IM’s Italian Fest to celebrate area heritage Aug. 9
The sights, sounds and aromas of Italy will fill the air Saturday, Aug. 9, as Italian Fest transforms downtown Iron Mountain (MI) into a vibrant celebration of the culture. The Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority will host its 18th-annual event, sponsored by LiUNA Local 1329, from noon to 11 p.m. in Iron Mountain’s downtown parking lot at...
Naperville Preservation holds contest to help document historic Tosi houses
Orange doors, geometric balconies and triangular chimneys: these are some of the features that distinguish the mid-century modern houses designed by architect Don Tosi. The homes he built in Naperville and elsewhere represent a journey to the past — specifically, to a post-World War II era that offered a promise of a bright future for young familie...
Concert Opera of Greater Chicago presents bel canto masterpiece: Donizetti’s ‘La Favorita’
Concert Opera of Greater Chicago has announced its summer production of Gaetano Donizetti’s bel canto masterpiece, “La Favorita,” an Italian opera in four acts to be performed in concert version with English supertitles. The COGC chorus and orchestra will be conducted by Maestro William Intriligator; Music Director and Conductor of the Dubuque Symp...
Festa Italiana in Mokena, IL
Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Yunker Park, 10824 W La Porte Rd, Mokena, IL. Live music, a large selection of food, beverages, children's entertainment, games, magic, ballons, a splash pad, a spaghetti eating contest, an Italian car show, and more, all at the Fest. Special prayer service for Our Lady of Mount Carmel and procession at 10:30, s...
West Michigan Italian Festival 'Festa Italiana' to return after 25 year hiatus
The West Michigan Italian Fest, or Festa Italiana, is set to return this weekend in Byron Center in Grand Rapids (MI) after a quarter-century hiatus. Hosted and ran by the newly-formed 501c3 West Michigan Italian Cultural Center, the festival celebrates Italian culture and heritage in our area. "We all have a rich history of immigrating here, you k...
Festa Italiana Brings the Heart of Italy to Schererville, IN
Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavors of Italy at Festa Italiana, Northwest Indiana’s premier celebration of Italian culture! Hosted by Villa Cesare Events & Banquets, this beloved annual festival returns July 25-27, 2025, with free admission for all ages. Join us for a weekend packed with authentic Italian cuisin...
Seven Hills to host Italian sister city with gala event
Mayor Simone Costanzo of Coreno Ausonio, Italy, is coming to Seven Hills. The mayor of the Italian municipality will be hosted by his sister city counterpart, Seven Hills Mayor Anthony D. Biasiotta, at a special gala event Aug. 2 at the Community Recreation Center. The upcoming international visit so far has exceeded Biasiotta’s expectations.“Worki...
We Have a New Home!
Dear Friends of the Italian American Veterans Museum,Great news! The Italian American Veterans Museum has landed at its new location in Addison, Illinois. And better yet, we have allies to help us make the transition, including you! We are pleased to announce that we will occupy a splendid new space in a stately 100-year-old building situated acros...
Wickliffe (OH) honors Italian American roots with commemorative tree planting
In a heartfelt ceremony Friday, the city of Wickliffe (OH) celebrated its deep Italian American heritage by planting a tree dedicated to generations of Italian families who shaped the community. The event, held at Coulby Park, brought together civic leaders, descendants of early immigrants, and members of the local Italian-American Club. Mayor Joe...