The Regata Storica is one of the most important traditional events in Venice.

It takes place every first Sunday of September, which is this year on September 3, 2022.
The event consists of 2 parts: a historical boat parade and a series of rowing races.
*Started as early as the 13th Century
The origins of the Regata Storica go back to 1841, when the Municipality of Venice asked the Austrian
authorities to organize an annual boat race on Canal Grande. This would give the opportunity to encourage the
gondoliers and honour their skills. In 1866, when Venice became part of Italy, the focus of the event shifted
towards a celebration of the history of the Republic of Venice. In 1899, the name ‘Regata Storica’ was given by
Count Filippo Grimani, the mayor of Venice.
The historical parade
The brightly colored parade consists of tens of 16th century-style boats. The costumed rowers carry the Doge, the
Doge’s wife and all the highest ranking Venetian officials up the Canal Grande. It commemorates the welcome of
Caterina Cornaro in 1489, the wife of the King of Cyprus, who renounced her throne in favour of Venice.
The Serenissima is one of the most beautiful parade ships of Venice and heads the parade during the Regata
Storica.

Feast of San Gennaro

Thursday, 9/15 - Sunday, 9/25
Every year on the second thursday of September, New York celebrates for 11 days, the holiday of Napoli patron -
San Gennaro.
Began in 1926 as a way for immigrants in New York to maintain the italian tradition of honoring the patron saint
of Naples.
Starting in the late 19th-century, immigrants settled in Lower Manhattan, with communities from various Italian
villages putting roots down on different city blocks. According to Walks of New York, Italian Americans made
up 17 percent of the city’s population by 1930.

History of the Cannoli

The history of the cannoli is a reflection of the variety of cultures and people that, throughout the centuries, have
inhabited Sicily.
As a staple of Sicilian cuisine, many people believe the cannoli originated in Sicily in Piana Degli Albanesi, but
this traditional Italian dessert may possibly be traced back during the Arabic rule of the island, also known as the
Emirate of Sicily.
Many of the ingredients used in a cannoli are also of Arabic origin like sugar cane and almonds.
Rome Facts
From its founding in 625 BC to its fall in AD 476, the Roman Empire conquered and integrated dozens of
cultures.
The influence of these cultures can be seen in objects, such as oil lamps, made and used throughout the Empire.

Period of Kings (625-510 BC)

The first period in Roman history is known as the Period of Kings, and it lasted from Rome’s founding until 510
BC. During this brief time Rome, led by no fewer than six kings, advanced both militaristically and economically
with increases in physical boundaries, military might, and production and trade of goods including oil lamps.
Politically, this period saw the early formation of the Roman constitution. The end of the Period of Kings came
with the decline of Etruscan power, thus ushering in Rome’s Republican Period.
Republican Rome (510-31 BC)
Rome entered its Republican Period in 510 BC. No longer ruled by kings, the Romans established a new form of
government whereby the upper classes ruled, namely the senators and the equestrians, or knights. However, a
dictator could be nominated in times of crisis. In 451 BC, the Romans established the “Twelve Tables,” a
standardized code of laws meant for public, private, and political matters.
Imperial Rome (31 BC – AD 476)
Rome’s Imperial Period was its last, beginning with the rise of Rome’s first emperor in 31 BC and lasting until
the fall of Rome in AD 476. During this period, Rome saw several decades of peace, prosperity, and expansion.
By AD 117, the Roman Empire had reached its maximum extant, spanning three continents including Asia
Minor, northern Africa, and most of Europe.

Facts about Firenze

Florence, or Firenze, is the capital of Tuscany;
It’s the 8th most visited city in Italy after Milan, and before Naples. (15 million + visitors)
It’s mostly famous for being the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, and it holds close to 1/3rd of the most
important art masterpieces in the world.
Florence is the birthplace of gelato.
The David (statue from Michelangelo) was created in Florence, and is currently still in Florence
Leaning Tower of Pisa
Construction on the Leaning Tower of Pisa took 176 years! - It was begun in 1174 but wasn’t completed until
around 1350.
The Tower used to lean in a different direction! - It initially leaned to the north, then it began leaning to the south
upon further construction in 1272. It still leans to the south today. Could the Pisa tower fall? That has been a
concern for a very long time, and corrections have been made in the 20th and 21st centuries.
The reason the Tower leans is still a bit of a mystery! - It’s likely, though, that the delay in construction caused
the soil to shift. The weak, unstable subsoil of clay, sand, and shells also may have been too soft on one side for
the Tower to stand upright.
Pisa has other leaning towers. - Pisa’s soft soil is responsible for several other leaning towers, including the
Campanile of San Nicola and the Campanile of San Michele degli Scalzi.

1 – Birthplace of Italian
Tuscany had a very significant role during the Italian Renaissance and it was an important cultural center. The
Italian we speak today is based upon the Tuscan dialect which was formed during the Renaissance period.
2 – Tuscany: the first region to adopt pavements
Tuscany, and especially Florence, have always been the cornerstone of beauty and elegance in Italy. During the
Renaissance period, Tuscany enjoyed a flourishing economy. On the initiative of the wealthy bankers and
merchants who live in Tuscany, it was decided to pave the street in order to improve road traffic. This trend was
then brought to the rest of Europe.

The history of wine in Tuscany dates back to the Etruscan times around the VII century B.C., when they learned
the process for wine making from the Greeks who had colonized southern Italy. Differently from the Greeks,
however, it is remarkable that Etruscan women could join men in drinking wine during banquets. As a matter of
fact Etruscan women had the same rights as men and took equally part to public life.
Staten Italy, New York
1524- first European to land on Staten Island (Giovanni di Verrazzano)
19-20th centuries caused many Italians to come to New York in search for a better life
1964 - completion of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge
Italians make up over 35% of the population of Staten Island
Bruno’s Pasticceria: pastries, cookies, breads, homemade Nutella, gelato,etc.
Antonio Meucci - invented the first telephone in 1854
Giuseppe Garbaldi lived with Maucci (at his home) in Rosebank, Staten Island
Garibaldi/Meucci Museum was created
Basilio Inn - oldest restaurant in Staten Island
1949 - Ralph Silvestro opened Ralph’s Ices
1965 - Anthony Ajello opened Pastosa Ravioli
Pastosa - Italian foods: fresh ravioli and fresh mozzarella
(Rosebank) Our Lady of Mount Carmel Grotto by Vito Russo
Casa Belvedere (1908) and restored into the Italian Cultural Foundation

October is Italian Heritage Month

- Italian American Heritage Month is celebrated every year to honor and recognize the centuries of achievements,
successes, and valuable contributions of Italian immigrants and Italian Americans.

- Currently, there are over 26 million Americans of Italian descent residing in the United States. This makes
Italian Americans the fifth largest ethnic group in our nation.

After World War II:

Italy was left in ruins: the government was weak and in debt.
gas powered motor vehicles were made and Italy had to make due with their limited resources.
Piaggio company created train cars and aircrafts.
Cashman Scooters - used by the US during WWII
(1946) Enrico Piaggio wanted to build a motorcycle and designed the Vespa. And as the years went on, Italy fell
in love with the Vespa.
Vespa is an Italian luxury brand of scooter manufactured by Piaggio. The name means wasp in Italian.
Manufactured in 1946 by Enrico Piaggio
Became an everyday mode of transportation
a cheap, dependable mode of transportation
customer loved the aesthetics of the Vespa
Became a cultural icon (until this day)
(1953) Roman Holiday - Audrey Heburn
Still a common way of transportation in Italy
Something to remember: “You can make the best of any situation!”

Italia - Italy
Rome became the capital of the Kingdom of Italy in 1872.
The first believes that green symbolizes hope, white represents faith, and red signifies charity.
The second interpretation says that green is the symbol of the Italian landscape. While the color white represents
the snow-capped Alps and red the bloodshed. The blood spilled for the independence of Italy.
Famous Italian Designers

Gucci - 1921 - is an Italian luxury fashion house based in Florence, Italy. Its product lines include handbags,
ready-to-wear, footwear, and accessories, makeup, fragrances, and home decoration.
Fendi - 1925 - is an Italian luxury fashion house producing fur, ready-to-wear, leather goods, shoes, fragrances,
eyewear, timepieces and accessories. Founded in Rome in 1925, Fendi is known for its fur and fur accessories,
and for its leather goods.
Gianni Versace - 1978 -usually referred to simply as Versace, is an Italian luxury fashion company and trade
name founded by Gianni Versace in 1978. The company produces upmarket Italian-made ready-to-wear and
accessories, as well as haute couture pieces under the Atelier Versace brand. The Versace logo is the head of
Medusa, a Greek mythological figure. The logo came from the floor of ruins in the area of Reggio Calabria that
the Versace siblings played in as children. Gianni Versace chose Medusa as the logo because she made people
fall in love with her and they had no way back. He hoped his company would have the same effect on people and
on those who wore his clothes and shoes.
Dolce & Gabbana - 1985 - is an Italian luxury fashion house founded in 1985 in Legnano by Italian designers
Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.

Italian Cars
Lamborghini Srl was an Italian manufacturer of Diesel engines up to 134HP which is now part of American
manufacturer Kohler Co. after acquisition.
Ferrari S.p.A. is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer based in Maranello, Italy. Founded by Enzo Ferrari in
1939 out of the Alfa Romeo race division as Auto Avio Costruzioni, the company built its first car in 1940, and
produced its first Ferrari-badged car in 1947.
Fiat is an Italian automobile manufacturer, formerly part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and since 2021 a
subsidiary of Stellantis through Italian factory FCA Italy. Fiat Automobiles was formed in January 2007 when
Fiat S.p.A. reorganized its automobile business, and traces its history back to 1899 when the first Fiat automobile.
Frank Sinatra
Francis Albert Sinatra December 12, 1915 – May 14, 1998) was an American singer and actor who is generally
perceived as one of the greatest musical artists of the 20th century.
He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold an estimated 150 million records worldwide.

Martin Scorsese
Martin Charles Scorsese is an American film director, producer, screenwriter, and actor.
Goodfellas
Cape Fear
Casino
Gangs of New York
Aviator
The Departed
Shutter Island
Hugo
Many More...

Sophia Loren
Encouraged to enroll in acting lessons after entering a beauty pageant, Loren began her film career at age 16 in
1950.
Loren became an international film star following her five-picture contract with Paramount Pictures in 1958.
Marriage Italian Style with Marcello Mastroianni

Al Pacino & Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro
Robert Anthony De Niro Jr. is an American actor, producer, and director. He is particularly known for his nine
collaborations with filmmaker Martin Scorsese.
Al Pacino
Alfredo James Pacino is an American actor. A career spanning over 5 decades.
Flag Meaning: The green stands for plains and hills, the white refers to the snow-covered Alps, and the red
symbolizes the blood spilled for independence.

Firenze - Florence
Florence is in the region of Tuscana. (Tuscany)
Take out your maps of Italy and color in the region of Tuscana

Ponte Vecchio- Old Bridge

-the first segmental arch bridge built in the West.
- crosses over the Arno river
- built by Taddeo Gaddi and was completed in 1345.
- considered to be one of the most famous bridges in the world

Ponte Vecchio Bridge Info:

1- This “Ponte Vecchio” is NOT the original bridge or shops that stand there today. The original bridge was built
by Romans in the year 996. It was destroyed twice by terrible floods.
2- The bridge shops are rented out to help the Florence Government recoup some of the money that was spent on
rebuilding the bridge.
3- There is a secret passage corridor made by the Medici Family.
4- You can open any type of shop on the bridge.
5- One of the popular tourist attractions in Florence.
6- Considered to be “the soul” of Florence representing hope. The bridge is a sign of resistance and hope for
Italians.

Souvenirs and goods are sold on the bridge

Jewelry
Meats
Goods from Farmers
Clothing
Handmade items
Etc.
The Medici Family
The Medici Family, known as the House of Medici, first attained wealth and political power in Florence, Italy
during the 13th century. They were extremely successful in commerce and banking.
The Family Medici grew garden of natural herbs and remedies which served as cures for everyday ailments.
They ruled Florence and were known as “The Godfathers of the Renaissance”.
Renaissance- Europe’s scientific, artistic and cultural rebirth
Rulers of Florence for two centuries
The Medici are most famous for their patronage of the arts. The Medici patronage had a huge impact on the
Renaissance, allowing artists to focus on their work without having to worry about money.
A significant amount of the art and architecture that was produced in Florence at the beginning of the Renaissance
was due to the Medici. They supported the artists Michelangelo, Raphael, Donatello, and Leonardo da Vinci.
They supported the famous scientist Galileo Galilei in his scientific efforts. Galileo also worked as a tutor for the
Medici children.

Venezia - Venice
Region - Veneto
City’s nickname - La Regina dell Adriatico
The Queen of the Adriatic Sea

Appetizer - l’antipasto
Cheese - il formaggio
Pepperoni - i pepperoni
Bread - il pane
Olives - le olive
Salad - l’insalata
Tomatoes - i pomodori
Lettuce - la lattuga
Carrots - le carote
Many Italians migrated to the West Coast of the USA. In 1890, there were more Italian Immigrants on the Pacific
Coast than in New England.
They had professions in agriculture, wine making and as fisherman.
In the early 1920’s, San Diego’s Little Italy took shape including over 6,000 Italian families.
Filippi’s Pizza Grotto (1950)- has multiple locations and customers draw on wine bottles and they are displayed.
Lady of the Rosary Church: San Diego’s Italian Parish that was established in 1925. It was established to nurture
the spiritual, cultural and social lives of the areas Italian population. Masses offered in English, Italian and Latin
regularly.
Little Italy Association: 1996 established - in 2000 created the Maintenance District.
(piazza created to unique and individual experience for people to enjoy the sense of community and family)
Cafe Italia: Spumoni was introduced, meaning “sea foam”, it’s ice cream and has candied fruit and nuts inside. It
is served as a dessert at many Italian restaurants and caffès.

Greetings from Italian America: San Pedro

San Pedro, California

the largest community of Italian-Americans in all of Southern California
coastal community and growth in areas of fishing industry
Immigrants came to San Pedro from: Croatia, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Mexico & Italy.
Los Angeles represents the 5th largest Italian Community.
Joseph’s Bakery (1967): a multigenerational business that sells pizza and desserts.
La Siciliana Restaurant (2020): brings Sicilian cuisine to southern California; celebrates culture, food and history,
originated from Scoglitti
J. Trani’s : four generations of family; cooking up works of art to keep up with family legacy, later opened the
Majestic Cafè.
Families of San Pedro mostly came from:
-Sicily
-Ischia - known as a tourist “hot spot” in Italy, built by agriculture and fishing
San Pedro was the perfect place for Italians to immigrate.
a place where Italians could share their successes with other Italians
the Church united/blessed the people: Mary statue holding a boat

San Pedro Fish Market

1956- fish was sold ONLY to go
1982- fish was sold AND the restaurant was open as well
Top TEN places to go to in California
Los Angeles
the entertainment capital of the world
Italians contributions as: actors/actresses, singers, writers,designers, etc.
A place where wine was produced: over 4,000 wineries, nearly 350 years of cultivation, and 80% of the US’ wine
is produced in California
1683- Father Francesco Kinney planted seeds for the first vineyard on record in California
1910- Santo Cambianica arrived in Ellis Island and settled in California, creating the San Antonio winery in
downtown California. They called it the San Antonio winery: after their favorite patron Saint - St. Anthony of
Padua. Two years later, they decided to make altar wine and became #1 producers of altar wine for Churches all
around the country. Until this day they are still the oldest and largest producing winery in Los Angeles.
Watts Towers - a beloved and distinct landmarks in California; created by Simon Rodia (from Avellino, Italy)
they are 17 interconnected towers that are handmade works of art. Rodia called it “Nuestro Pueblo” in Spanish
meaning “our town”; he created it in recognition of his deep connection to the Spanish community.
St. Peter’s Church (1904) a sanctuary of faith
Italian American Museum (2008) Marianna Gatto helped to create a place to preserve the history of Italian
Americans; a gathering place for this community as well that help people have a deeper understanding of
Southern California’s diverse groups
Greetings from Italian America: San Francisco
In 1848 it was a small seaport town of less than 1,000 residents.
James Marshall saw a tiny gold flake and California’s population doubled. Many Italians migrated to California
too.
1904- Amadeo Giannini opened the Bank of Italy in San Francisco. Today it is the second largest bank in the
USA: (1930) was known as Bank of America.
Ghirardelli created(1849)
Domenico Ghirardelli born in Italy in 1817. He was a candy maker and was in Peru when the Gold Rush hit. He
went to Cali and opened up several stores since 1849. Also known as the oldest chocolate produced in America.
California Goldrush - undeniable boom for San Francisco; Ghirardelli sold supplies and sweets to the miners.

The Fisherman’s Warf - saw opportunity in the fisherman boom

Joe DiMaggio (baseball player) was the son of a fisherman
Patron Saints: where ever Italians settled, they always brought images of their patron saints with them; showed
religious devotion and also represented their town and identity
North Beach Athletic Club (San Fran’s Little Italy)
In the heart of San Fran’s Italian Community
3 clubs in neighborhood; club was a place to hang out after competitions
April of 1906 earthquakes claimed the lives of 3,000 people and 80% of San Francisco was destroyed.

Greetings from Italian America : Tripe Night

What is tripe? Tripe is the lining of a cow’s stomach.
one of the most popular dishes in the world
Tripe Day: Oct. 24th
was once considered a peasant dish
(today) it is enjoyed a variety of ways
Annual Celebration of Tripe: Mamma Vittoria in Nutley, NJ where people gather together annually to celebrate
and try different types of tripe
Greetings from Italian America: Baltimore, MD
Italian settlers roots go back to 1840, during the time of the gold rush
Immigrants came from: Genoa, Naples, Abruzzo, Cefalu and Palermo (Italy)
Some landed in Port of Baltimore, others came through Ellis Island

Bocce ball - came from the Greeks and passed on to Romans

(pronunciation: baa-chee) is a lawn or yard game that's played with eight weighted balls aimed at a smaller target
ball, or pallino. The objective of the game is to earn points by getting your balls closer to the pallino than your
opponent does.

Greetings from Italian America: Scranton, PA

Scranton, PA
-Northeast, PA known as “the electric city”
1866- rich history of job opportunities in coal and railroads
Feast in Jessup, PA: a communal festival for all to celebrate together
St. Lucy’s Church was considered home for the Italians to have mass in their language
The Ritz Theater - created by Sylvester Poli; two existed, in Scranton, PA and Worchester, MA. It was a cultural
center for Italians to celebrate the arts.

Greetings from Italian America : New Orleans, LA

New Orleans Ital/American community is one of the oldest in the nation. The city became a safe harbor for
Italians of ALL regions.
1880’s-1920’s - bulk of Italians arrived to New Orleans. Sicilians came in numbers, hoping to expand on the
citrus trade. They migrated to the US bc of poverty and corruption.
Top 5 Sites to Visit:
1- Central Grocery - “muffuletta” sandwich (voted the best in the country)
2- New Orleans Jazz Museum - Nick LaRocca recorded 1st Jazz album
3- Angela Brocado’s Gelato - Authentic Sicilian treats
4- Venezia Restaurant
5- Hotel Monteleone - in French Quarter; 1886 - purchased by an Italian family
Medici Family
from citi-state of Florence
came from humble origins: merchants and bankers
became Grand Dukes of Tuscany
15th century: Medici made a banking fortune and managed to conquer the papacy
became Dukes of their hometown
Queens of France
non violent method to rise to power

Cosimo de Medici (1389-1464)

(Known as “Cosimo the Elder” and “the King of everything” in Florence
made his fortune as a banker

Giovanni di Bicci de Medici

made money from the wool trade and banking
commercial activity connected Italy to the world

After Cosimo’s arrest he managed to NOT be executed and decided to use his wealth to sponsor art, architecture
and cultural products.
He transformed the city of Florence to the capital of the Renaissance.

Piero di Cosimo de Medici (1416 - 1469)

became head of the family when his dad died
When he died in 1469, his son took over

Lorenzo de Medici (1449-1492)

known as “the Magnificent”
was interested in philosophy and poetry
wanted to strengthen the economy

Piero (1472-1503)
Known as “the unfortunate” when his family was driven out of Rome
Greetings from Italian America: Columbus Day, NYC

Columbus Day - devoted to celebrating accomplishments of 25 million Americans

Cristoforo Columbo
-historic explorer and pioneer vs. tyrant who brought disease and suffering to people

1937- Columbus Day became a Federal Holiday, under Franklin D. Roosevelt.

It is celebrated in Oct of each year.
Columbus Citizens Foundation was also created to help Italian-Americans.

What is the story of la Befana?

Tradition has it that on the 5th of January the Three Kings ran into la befana while she was sweeping the floor and
taking care of the housework.The Kings stopped to talked with her and asked if she might be interested in joining
them on their journey to see the new baby.
La Befana, however, houseproud as she was, declined the offer: she had way too much housework to do and
couldn’t possibly find the time to join them.
The Kings left and la Befana returned to her chores, but it didn’t take her long to realize that the baby they were
so fond of going to see was no ordinary child and that she should have most definitely accepted their invitation –
her house could wait!
So, she decided to set off on a journey on her own and, loaded with a big bag of presents for the baby, jumped on
her broomstick and started to fly.
She didn’t have directions on how to get to Bethlehem (the three Kings probably didn’t tell her about the star) but
she was a very determined woman and she spent the whole night traveling around the world bringing presents to
all the houses she visited, hoping to find baby Jesus in one of them.
To him, she would have brought sweets and a bit of coal and this is what to this day Italian children find on the
morning of the 6th of January, usually piled up in a long stocking hanging from the chimney… or possibly the
kitchen aspirator!
La Befana
“La Befana vien di notte con le scarpe tutte rotte col vestito da romana viva viva la Befana!” meaning
"the Befana comes out at night with worn out shoes dressed like a Roman, long live the Befana!"