October is Italian-American heritage month, dedicated to celebrating all the contributions Italian-Americans have made to our country and the sacrifices they made picking up their lives and moving here, often for more opportunities. Throughout the country, especially in Italian parts of big cities and areas, there are often parades to celebrate these accomplishments with Italian Americans gathering to celebrate their culture.
For example, in North Beach, San Francisco, there is the annual Italian Heritage Festival and Parade, which occurred on October 8 this year. This festival in the city celebrates all the accomplishments of Italian Americans, specifically in the San Francisco area. The parade kicks off at 12:30 as all the participants walk in a loop around the entirety of North Beach. Many Italian families purchase tables from various restaurants along the parade route to relax while watching, while others find a spot on a curb or on the sides of the street. Members of the parade include the Marines and other branches of the military, local government officials, local police and fire departments, country officials, Italian corporations and restaurants and more. After the parade, there is still a ton to do to celebrate Italian culture, including exploring Italian business or going to smaller festivals at schools around North Beach.
“The parade and month help me remember all the hard work my family did so I could be living here today,” said freshman Ava Barbagelata. “It also gives me a chance to see all the sacrifices other families made as we all celebrate.”
Yet, it is important to not let the festivities of the month overshadow its importance. This month remembers all the sacrifices immigrants from Italy who came to America made to create new opportunities for themselves and future generations. It honors the food, music and culture that remains an important part of the lives of Italian families who live in the U.S. today, and keeps their heritage alive in creative and honorary ways. For example, Franca Marchetti, grandma of Sabrina and Olivia Philip, was born in Genoa, Italy. She was raised speaking both Italian and a specific dialect of Italian, Genovese, and moved with her family to the states when she was six. She entered into second grade knowing no English, and was forced to become the translator between her family and Americans when she learned English. Her husband, who she met in North Beach, was also born in Luca, Italy, and came over to America when he was three. Today, in addition to attending the parade in the city, she keeps her culture alive with her granddaughters and family through traditions, language and more.
“We keep my culture alive by telling stories of the way things were in Italy, and traveling back with families to see where we grew up,” said Franca Marchetti, speaking on behalf of her Italian community. “We are really appreciative of what America has given us, because it gave us opportunity, and we grabbed that opportunity and ran with it.”
Italian-American Heritage Month is extremely important in the homes of Italian-Americans all over the country. It celebrates the sacrifices made by immigrants who came from Italy to America and all the important contributions they have made in all aspects of American society.
“My parents came to this country from Italy with no more than a third grade education. They worked hard, suffered family health issues and succeeded in establishing a very successful life,” said Vince Muzzi, father of Mia Muzzi ‘24 and Sara Muzzi ‘25. “I don’t celebrate just the month of October, I celebrate the year, every year, that I have the blessing of being an Italian-American.”
