Having an Italian surname or ancestor isn’t enough to call yourself “Italian.” Nor is it sufficient to sing along to popular songs, string enough words in Italian to book a hotel, or have spent your childhood Sundays eating pasta at grandma’s house.

The first thing to do is to define and consider yourself Italian-American, by acknowledging that part of your heritage is rooted in the Belpaese’s culture and language. Doing so also means feeling part of a community where you recognize yourself in traditional elements that bring you close to those around you.