ITALIAN CAUCUS: The Third Annual JCCIA Italian Caucus Tour of Italy Reception in Springfield will be on Tuesday, May 13, 2025! Tickets are $40 per person and include bus transportation & dinner! CLICK HERE for more information or to purchase your bus ticket!

DANTE AWARDS: The 2025 Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans Annual Dante and DiFrisco Awards Luncheon will be on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at Galleria Marchetti. We will be honoring Dante Award Recipient, Lynn Sweet from the Chicago Sun-Times and DiFrisco Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, Walter Jacobson from WGN Radio. For more information, or to purchase your ticket, CLICK HERE!

SCHOLARSHIPS ARE OPEN: Applications for the Women's Division Scholarship (Deadline: April 5) and JCCIA John Fischetti Scholarship (Deadline: May 1) are available!

MODA 2025: The Women's Division Scholarship Benefit Dinner and Fashion Show has been scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2025! Visit jccia.com/moda-2025 to learn more or purchase tickets!

ITALICO INFO: Have Italian American Community updates or information you would like to see in the next edition of ITALICO? Submit your request to the JCCIA Office at jcc@jccia.com!

HOLY WEEK: The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Frances Cabrini will be hosting various Masses and celebrations for Holy Week. Learn more with the Fra Noi article, "Holy Week to reign at three shrines".

FUTURE LEADERS: On February 1, the Italian American Executives of Transportation held their Augustus Ceasar Award Ceremony, honoring young Italian American professionals in the community. Read more about what IAET President Vito D'Ambrosio says about this special event! "Youth takes center stage at IAET awards event" by Fra Noi.

BUILDING BRIDGES: On Monday, March 10th, the President of the Società Dante Alighieri Andrea Riccardi and the President of NIAF Robert Allegrini signed an agreement between the two institutions for joint actions related to Italian language and culture in the United States. Read More about this agreement - "NIAF Signs Agreement with Società Dante Alighieri in Italy".

UPCOMING EVENTS: Mark your calendars! Exciting events are just around the corner, brought to you by the JCCIA & Affiliate Organizations!

April 5 | Stravaganza Internationale di Danza Fashion Show

Italian American Executives of Transportation (MORE INFO)

April 9 | Sacrament of Reconciliation

Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Contact: 708-212-1051)

April 10 | NIAF New York Gala

National Italian American Foundation (MORE INFO)

April 10 | JSOL Nomination of Officers Dinner

Justinian Society of Lawyers (MORE INFO)

April 11 | Paradise Wines: Exploring the Island Wines of Italy

National Italian American Foundation (MORE INFO)

April 12 | Annual Spring Dance

Lucchesi Nel Mondo (Contact: 630-443-8722 or 773-908-1004)

April 12 | Amici Club Wine Tasting

Amici Naperville Area Italian American Club (Contact: 630-745-1085)

April 12 | Maurizio Lamberti Book Presentation & Signing

Casa Italia (Contact: 708-345-5933)

April 13 | Palm Sunday Feast of Madonna del Arco

Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Contact: 708-212-1051)

April 13 | Palm Sunday Mass

Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii (Contact: 312-421-3757)

April 14 - 16 | The Great Easter Triduum - Virtual Pilgrimage

Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii (MORE INFO)

April 15 | Italian American Author Book Club

Casa Italia (Contact: lincapuz@gmail.com)

April 17 | OLMC Holy Thursday & Pilgrimage to 7 Churches

Our Lady of Mount Carmel (MORE INFO)

April 17 | SOLP Holy Thursday & Visitation of 7 Churches

Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii (MORE INFO)

April 20 | Easter Brunch

Villa Cesare (Contact: 219-322-3011)

April 20 | Easter Dinner

Mazzini Verdi Club (Contact: 847-671-0055)

April 20 | Easter Sunday Mass

Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii (Contact: 312-421-3757)

April 22 | Arcolian Dental Installation of Officers

Arcolian Dental Arts Society (Contact: acaporale2244@gmail.com)

April 23 | JCCIA General Meeting

Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (Contact: jcc@jccia.com)

April 25 | MODA 2025 - Fashion Show & Benefit Dinner

JCCIA Women's Division (MORE INFO)

April 26 | Dinner Dance

Beato Giovanni Liccio Society (Contact: 312-363-8617)

April 27 | Art Painting Workshop

Associazione Regionale Campania (Contact: 708-345-5933)

April 27 | San Pio Mass & Reception

Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Contact: 708-344-4140)

CLICK HERE for the full calendar of events! Have an event you would like to be added to the calendar? Submit your request to jcc@jccia.com! 

SAVE THE UIC ITALIAN PROGRAM: Students at the University of Illinois at Chicago are fighting to preserve the Italian and Italian American Studies department amid recent budget cuts. Sign a petition and help protect the Italian and Italian American Studies Program at UIC.

FESTA DELLA SOPRESSATA: Think you have what it takes to make the best sopressata? Pastorelli and Hardcore Italians are sponsoring a Homemade Sopressata Competition on April 12, 2025!

SUPER LAWYERS: 11 attorneys at Chicago-based law firm Romanucci & Blandin were listed in Super Lawyers Magazine's 2025 Top 100 Super Lawyers, Illinois Super Lawyers, and Illinois Rising Stars! Read more with the Fra Noi article, "Chicago law firm earns high marks in national ratings"

CULTURAL CLASSROOM: Elk Grove High School Italian Teacher Anna Izzo transforms language lessons into cultural experiences! "Izzo shares her love of Italy with her students" by Elena Ferrarin.

ANCIENT ART: From prehistoric carvings to cosmic visions, Arvedi’s latest exhibit unearths symbols that connect humanity’s past, present, and future—what secret symbols will be uncovered? "Ancient Signs, Contemporary Visions: Arvedo Arvedi Talks About His New Exhibition in Chicago" by Good Morning Italy.

DOUBLE DISH: Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis is opening not one but TWO Italian restaurants in the Chicago suburbs! "Popular celebrity chef to open 2 Italian restaurants in Chicago suburbs" by Francie Swidler.

CENTURY OF SAUSAGE: Anichini Bros. marks a century of bringing the best Italian meats and ingredients to Chicago and beyond—read more about their incredible journey! "Anichini Bros. celebrates 100th anniversary" by Fra Noi.

FAITH & FOOD: Discover the rich history behind the St. Joseph's Day altar tradition that is brought to life in New Orleans - "Eye-popping St. Joseph altars are a Sicilian tradition in New Orleans from the 1800s" by Nola.

EUROBASKET 2025: New member on the Team Italia squad? "Donte DiVincenzo could represent Italy at the EuroBasket 2025".

ROOTED IN TRADITION: A century of flowers, family, and the American Dream—Mellano & Company’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and petals across generations. "A century in bloom: the Mellano family’s legacy of flowers, family, and the American Dream" by Silvia Nittoli.

FLOSOM FESTA: The inaugural Folsom Italian Festival brought together thousands to celebrate Italian American culture with food, fun, and family! "Inaugural Folsom Italian Festival brings community together in celebration" by Peg DeGrassa.

SIP OF SAN DIEGO: Caffé di Talya isn’t just serving espresso—it’s serving a taste of Italy! "Caffé di Talya Brings Authentic Italian Coffee Culture to San Diego" by Gianfranco G.

ITALY IN NJ: Cucina di Pirone brings Italian classics to New Jersey. "Get a taste of Italy at this delicious NJ Italian restaurant" by Kyle Clark.

BRINGING BACK BRUSCHETTA: Sarasota’s beloved Italian restaurant is reopening at a new location, bringing its classic flavors back to the community! "Bruschetta Fine Italian Cuisine Reopening in Sarasota" by Neil Cooney

STAGE STAR: Luca Ward brings his award-winning performance to Boston, combining humor, emotion, and personal stories in a unique theatrical experience. "'Il Talento di Essere Tutti e Nessuno' by Luca Ward" by Sabrina Balassarre Leo.

ACADEMIC ARRIVAL: Professor Paolo Scartoni brings his expertise in medieval Italian literature and music to Washington University, enriching the study of Italian culture. Read more with "Welcome Prof. Paolo Scartoni to Washington University in St Louis" by St. Louis Italians.

NAPLES TO PHILLY: The Filangieri Museum in Naples unveils how Franklin and Filangieri’s exchange of ideas continues to inspire modern-day connections between Italy and the U.S. "The U.S. Consul General in Naples Visits the Filangieri Museum: Benjamin Franklin’s Letters Illuminate Italian-American Enlightenment Ties" by Professor Amedeo Arena.

FRESH BEGINNINGS: With 30,000 laws repealed, Italy takes a step toward simplifying its legal framework."A dream come true: thirty thousand outdated Italian laws repealed" by the We The Italians Editorial Staff.

SPICE SECRETS: The Horrea Piperataria’s rediscovery unlocks the mysteries of Rome’s spice warehouses and the empire’s global trade connections. "The Horrea Piperataria: Rome’s lost spice warehouses rediscovered" by Giulia Franceschini.

DIONYSIAN DISCOVERY: Pompeii’s latest find is more than a fresco—what else lies beneath? "Hidden Pompeii: the past comes to life again with a rare discovery" by Barbara Minafra.

SICILIAN SOLITUDE: Discover the newly restored pilgrim’s trail in the Madonie National Park offers an escape into solitude - "Walking in solitude and sunshine in Sicily: a newly restored pilgrim’s trail" by Annabel Abbs.

SCENIC ESCAPE: Italy’s most scenic roads now receive the recognition they deserve, offering travelers a journey through stunning views and rich history! "A new initiative to protect Italy’s most beautiful roads has been launched" by Liv Kelly.

BEYOND THE BEACH: Viareggio might be known for its beaches, but did you know it’s the most populous town in Tuscany? Learn more about what makes this seaside town so special - "Discover Viareggio, the most populous town in Tuscany" by the Idealista Editorial Team.

SERENE SPOLETO: Your next travel destination - Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the serenity of Spoleto! "Spoleto, Umbria — Italy's 'Purest City'" by Paula Reynolds.

​WOODWORKING WONDERS: Explore the long-standing tradition of woodcarving in Valle d’Aosta that reflects centuries of craft, community, and cultural identity. "Aosta Valley’s woodcarving tradition: centuries of craft and culture" by Chiara Dalessio

UNDERWATER FOREST: Venice’s nickname “upside-down forest” explains the underwater wooden piles that support the entire city. "Venice: the upside-down forest" by the We The Italians Editorial Staff.