Region of Origin & Cultural Practices “Many Italian American families can trace their roots back to a specific region in Italy. Investigate your family’s region of origin, noting any special customs, dialects, dishes, or festivals unique to that area. Compare how those traditions are practiced (or remembered) in your household today. Discuss which elements you’d…
Our legacy begins in several small villages in the Campania and Naples regions of Italy. The areas are known for vibrant dishes, lively festivals, and rich performative arts like sfogliatella, Festa di San Gennaro, and Canzone Napoletana. While my family may not celebrate these festivals or sing traditional songs on street corners, we live out…
My family comes from Campobasso, a small city in southern Italy in a region called Molise, which was once part of the old Abruzzi area. It’s a place that doesn’t get talked about much, even by Italians. But to my family, it’s where everything started. My great-grandparents came from Campobasso in the late 1800s, looking…
Studiosi della Fondazione – A key objective of the LIL Foundation’s La Famiglia Scholarship Program is to support the next generation of Italian-American leaders as they continue to demonstrate the contributions that continue to be made by individuals of Italian descent.
“With the changing demographics of our society, what unique challenges does your generation face in preserving and continuing the Italian traditions that your parents and grandparents cherish and have passed on to you? How would you address those challenges?”
Essay written by Claire Peiffer Preserving Italian traditions and culture is vital in maintaining a connection with our roots and heritage. Traditions have been taught to subsequent generations in order to continue favored practices and unite families. However, new obstacles have arisen within recent decades which complicate the generational passing down of Italian custom. …
Essay written by Maria Kazlauski – Changing social demographics, such as marital status, migration, and education, present unique challenges for my generation. A collaborative effort and resourceful approach are crucial to address these challenges and ensure the successful preservation and transmission of cherished Italian practices. Arguably, marital status is the most crucial demographic factor that challenges may generation’s…
Essay written by Antonio Applauso It’s January 6th and I jump out of bed, eager to see what gifts La Befana will bring. Much like the chocolates I received in the calza, every year, my Italian heritage is a gift, passed down to me by my parents, and to them by their parents. From the…
Essay written by Sophia Montcalmo Tradition is something treasured by and passed through generations. Especially for families with strong cultural backgrounds that have traveled out of their country of origin, tradition has been a way of continuing the culture of their heritage. However, society is always changing socially, demographically, and economically, and with change can…
Essay written by Benjamin Carroll Growing up, family was everything. I learned the value of hardwork and loyalty. I attribute this to the close knit bond that my Grandmom has with her family. She is of Italian descent and all of my memories are of coming together for family dinner. She learned from her family…
