October is Italian-American Heritage Month

National Italian-American Heritage month was first recognized by the United States Congress in October 1989 as a tribute to all Italian-Americans' contributions to our nation, and to highlight the cultural impact of the Italian-American community.

Thousands of Italian immigrants from the Liguria, Campana, Abruzzo, Sicily and Lazio regions have made their home in Boston neighborhoods beginning in the 1860s, especially in the North End, East Boston, Brighton, Hyde Park and South Boston.

Many people of Italian descent have served the City of Boston selflessly in public office, including Thomas M. Menino, the grandson of Italian immigrants and the longest serving Mayor in the history of Boston.

Italian immigrants and the ongoing generations of their descendants, have cultivated unique and beautiful neighborhoods whose atmosphere reflects the dedication to Italian culture, food, art and religion.

This week, the Council adopted a resolution recognizing October 2023 as Italian-American Heritage Month as a way to celebrate the rich culture, food, art and generational traditions of Italian-Americans.