Italian heritage festival held in Newton amidst controversy about painted street lines
The streets of Nonantum in Newton, Massachusetts were filled with Italian flags, music, and celebration this weekend as the community marked the 90th annual "Festa" amid a controversy about painted lines in the street. The beloved event, a cornerstone of the neighborhood's Italian-American culture, drew large crowds with its street parade, carnival...
Jay Pandolfo signs multiyear extension to remain men’s hockey coach at Boston University
Jay Pandolfo’s name had been bandied about earlier this offseason as eight NHL franchises, including the Bruins, searched for new head coaches. But the Boston University men’s hockey coach, who played four seasons with the Terriers before signing with the New Jersey Devils in 1996, doesn’t appear eager to leave BU any time soon. Already under contr...
Italian grandfathers with 'big personalities' sought for feature film
It's time to give your nonno a call. Boston Casting is seeking Italian grandfathers with "big personalities" for a feature film. It is looking for people between 70 and 80 years old. Acting experience is a plus, but it is not necessary. The movie shoots from Sept. 2 to November, and the pay is $1,246 per day. Interested applicants should send their...
Danbury San Gennaro Festival Returns Aug. 20 With New Grand Marshal
The Feast of San Gennaro will return to downtown Danbury for its fourth annual celebration from Aug. 20–24, featuring food, music, fireworks, and cultural festivities centered on Italian heritage. Organizers have named Antonia “Tonina” Chieffalo as the 2025 Grand Marshal. A longtime Danbury resident and member of the Amerigo Vespucci Lodge for 60 y...
Feast Season in the North End
Summer in Boston’s oldest neighborhood means one thing—it’s time to celebrate Italian-style with the various feasts and processions that take over the area’s ancient, cobblestoned streets. Brought to these shores decades ago by the waves of Italian immigrants that populated the North End beginning in the early 20th century, these religious festival...
Film about Sicilian immigrant Max Corvo, who headed the OSS in Italy, to be shown in Middletown
A film based on the life of Sicilian immigrant and Middletown’s own Biago “Max” Corvo, who became the chief of operations of the Secret Intelligence of the American Office of Strategic Services, the precursor of the CIA, will be screened at the high school later this month. Corvo, who died in 1994, emigrated to Middletown in 1929 at 9, along with h...
‘A rebellion has begun’: Newton residents repaint Italian flag traffic stripes
When Jordan Lee Wagner thinks about Nonantum, he doesn’t just picture a neighborhood in Newton. He sees a tight-knit place where immigrants are welcomed with open arms and where generations of stories and memories have been fostered. “You don’t see that much anymore, and certainly not 15 minute commute down to a major American city,” Wagner said. “...
How did Federal Hill become Providence's dining destination? A rich history helped
How did Federal Hill gain its reputation for Italian food? Start with a look at a timeline of restaurants and markets in Providence and you'll get it. 1914: Camille’s is opened at 174 Atwells Ave. by Pasquale Parolisi as Marconi’s Restaurant. It moves to its current space in a small part of a mansion on Bradford Street in 1919. In 1952, it is renam...
‘Pound of Flesh’: Nonantum neighbors demonstrate at City Hall, showing no signs of backing down
On Monday afternoon, as dark clouds rushed from the sky to make way for some early evening sun, Mayor Ruthanne Fuller sent an email to the community calling for a compromise in what has escalated into a local culture war over Italian heritage. “Before the City painted the reflective yellow center lines, we gave permission to the Festa volunteers to...
The Passing Of Dr. Domenic Amara
Our beloved Italian American Alliance (IAA) Chairman, Dr. Domenic Amara, passed away Friday night after a long battle with cancer. This great man was one of the original founders of our IAA organization and served as President of the Pirandello Lyceum. He will be missed by all who knew him. Dr. Domenic G. Amara, PhD, was the former Academic Superin...
Grease pole competition brought large crowds to Springfield
Sunday marked the last day of the Italian Feast in Springfield. And it’s no Italian celebration without the grease pole competition! The grease pole competition is a centuries-old Italian tradition. And people got to experience it firsthand at the Italian feast of ‘our lady of Mount Carmel.’ Teams of brave individuals were cheered on as they attemp...
Coletta Zapata Hosting Inaugural Sagra del Sugo
Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata is hosting the inaugural Sagra del Sugo: Pasta Showdown on Saturday, July 19 at 12 p.m. at the Paul Revere Mall. Attendees will be able to taste their way through the competition and cast their vote for People’s Choice, while a panel of four beloved North End Nonnas and Father Michael select the Best Tr...