The first ever Italian gala was held Saturday night hosted by the Springfield Son & Daughters of Italy. The Sons & Daughters of Italy celebrating its revitalization in the greater Springfield area, a rebirth thanks to an interest from younger generations in preserving Italian heritage and culture. The sold-out gala at the Sheraton featured dinner, music, dancing and awards for members of the Italian community.

“I think so many times we reduce our Italian-ness to eating and that’s about it. But we need to bring back the language, we need to bring back the art, the literature the theology, ” said Salvatore Circosta, President of the Springfield Chapter’s Sons & Daughters of Italy. “Everything that makes Italy such a destination location we want to bring that awareness here to Springfield.”