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| Italian Heritage Month poster designer, Anthony Pullano and Carassauga emcee, Tony Monaco |
In less than two centuries over 25
million Italians left their homeland in search of new opportunities. Considered
the largest mass emigration of modern times by any ethnic group there are now
80 million direct descendants worldwide. Here in Canada 1.6 million people
consider themselves to be of Italian origin and Italian is the third most
spoken non-official language in the country. To pay tribute to this courageous
and resilient group, the Legislature of the Province of Ontario passed Bill 103
into law in October 2010, forever declaring the entire month of June as Italian
Heritage Month.
A milestone for the Italian community, the
Italian Heritage Month has quickly gained momentum spreading across the country
to include other provinces. Not only has it embraced all elements of this
culture from music, film, literature, cuisine to folklore and pop culture, the
event has also recognized historical figures, renowned present-day individuals
including dynamic contributions made by Italian migrants. Capturing the essence
of the Italian spirit, festivities have been held throughout the province with
a large number concentrated right here in the GTA. Organized by various
associations, mainly under the umbrellas of the National Congress of Italian
Canadians and the Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association, the
last four years have been a cultural extravaganza for Italians and people of
all backgrounds to enjoy. Noted events
included flag raising ceremonies at Toronto and Vaughan City Hall as well as
Queen’s Park, “Best in Italian Cinema” presented by the Italian Contemporary
Film Festival and outdoor celebrations such as the Giovanni Caboto Picnic and MICBA
Italian Heritage Street Festival. Some of the more gallant affairs were
“Castello Italia” held at the breathtaking Casa Loma, Marconi Gala Dinner,
Wines of PugliaTasting, AMICI Creative Art Show and various live performances
by Banda dei Carabinieri. The Italian
passion for sports was also celebrated with cycling at the Giro 2014 as well as
gatherings for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Soccer. This year’s Italian Heritage
Month continues with a wide variety of exciting events taking place throughout Ontario.
Carassauga's "Traditions of Italy"
May 22, 23 & 24
Considered the most exciting exhibition to appear at the annual Carassauga event, the Italian Pavilion was an extravaganza for lovers of this culture. Hosted by the Mississauga Italian Canadian Benevolent Association (MICBA) the 3 day festival featured traditional cuisine, music, artisinal works and dance.
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| Helping my friends at Frankie Fettucine Food Truck |
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| Emcee, Tony Monaco, Organizer Frank Trevisan, Emcee Laura Tonelli |
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| Stella Ambler MP Mississauga South |
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| Frankie Fettucine Truck |
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| Organetto superstar, Claudio Santaluce |
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| Mississauga South MP, Stella Ambler getting back to her Italian roots! |
Castello Italia
May 31
There was no better place to kick-off Ontario’s Italian Heritage Month than at the beautiful Casa Loma in Toronto!! Referred to as “Castello Italia”, this is the most elegant and fun event celebrating Italian culture. Ferraris and Lamborghinis lined the driveway, amazing food was served by Cibo Wine Bar alongside a great assortment of wines while all were entertainment by Italian superstar, Arianna. The icing on the cake (or tiramisu, I should say!) was a special appearance by TFC soccer player, Sebastiano Giovinco which caused the crowd to go into a frenzy smile emoticon Congrats to my dear friend Fabio Gesufatto including Tanya Phillipps, Nick Di Donato and all other organizers who worked so tirelessly to put together such a successful event..AUGURI!!!
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| Emcees Vincenzo Somma and Tony Monaco |
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| Italian singer/actress Arianna |
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| Minister Julian Fantino |
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| Soccer sensation Sebastian Giovinco |
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| Alessandra Piccolo with the Bersaglieri |
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| Casa Loma, Toronto |
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| Nick Di Donato, Liberty Entertainment |
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| CBC anchor Suhanna Marchand, Tony Monaco and Fabio Gesufatto |
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| Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca |
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| Casa Loma Atrium |
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| Violinist Daniele Monticelli |
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| MPP Laura Albanese and MPP Mario Sergio |
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| Laura Tonelli and Gabriella De Mito |
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| CHIN Television personality, Andrea Trentadue |
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| Jenny Arena and Arianna |
Showcasing the best in Italian cinema at selected Ontario
and Quebec theatres was the much-anticipated Italian Contemporary Film Festival
(ICFF). Held June 11 -19 the renowned festival which is only in its fourth
edition has grown leaps and bounds attracting a record-breaking audience of 29,000
people. Considered the largest of its kind and recognized internationally,
the festival screens feature films, documentaries and shorts while commemorating
noted individuals in the movie industry.
On-hand to receive ICFF's People's Choice Award for best picture was
"Noi E La Giulia" director, Edoardo Leo. Also in attendance were
legendary actors Roberto Begnini and Nicoletta Braschi who were honoured with Lifetime
Achievement Awards at Toronto's Roy Thompson Hall.
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| Domenic Mancuso, Fabio Gesufatto, Alessandra Piccolo, Tony Monaco |
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| Maria, Fabio |
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| Joe, Tony, Fabio |
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| John, Sonia and Fabio |
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