Got an idea for a holiday? Send it to us

Submit Now

Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month
269 Shares
269 Shares
October

Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month – October 2024

Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month is in October. Did you know that it has been more than 140 years since the first Italians immigrated to the U.S.? From movies and music to sports and politics, Italian Americans have had an immense impact on the society and culture of America.

History of Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month

To escape poverty and violence in Southern Italy and the Sicily islands, over four million Italians immigrated to the United States between 1880 and 1924. It is said that during World War I, Italian Americans constituted about 12% of the total armed forces of the U.S. During World War II, Italy had joined the Axis powers and had declared war on the U.S. The Italian-American community in the U.S., however, showed unswerving loyalty to the U.S.

St. John Basilone and 13 other Italian Americans received the Medal of Honor. Enrico Fermi, a nuclear physicist, contributed to the development of the first atom bomb.

In the post-war period, many Italian Americans got involved in politics. The U.S. boasted several well-known Italian American singers like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Madonna. The cartoon “Donald Duck” was made by Al Taliaferro, and “Tom and Jerry” was co-created by Joseph Barbera. Award-winning actors and directors like Frank Capra and Martin Scorsese rose to stardom.

Italian Americans were subjected to widespread discrimination and racial profiling. One of the largest lynchings in U.S. history happened in 1890 when 11 immigrants were killed due to their alleged role in the murder of David Hennessy. The movies and mainstream media portrayed Italian Americans as violent criminals. Movies like “The Godfather” and T.V. shows such as “The Sopranos” further made these stereotypes all the more concrete.

To show appreciation towards Italian Americans for their remarkable achievements and contributions in arts, science, and sports, President Ronald Reagan and Congress proclaimed October to be celebrated as Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month.

Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month timeline

1870s
Italians Immigrate to the U.S.

More than four million Italians immigrate from Italy to the United States.

1930s
Italian-Americans Contribute

Italian-Americans establish their presence in art, music, politics, and the military.

1950s
Italian-Americans Face Discrimination

Italian communities are stereotyped by the press as being violent and controlled by the Mafia.

1989
Italian-Americans are Honored

For their distinguished contribution to society and as a token of appreciation, October is proclaimed as Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month.

Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month FAQs

Where can I learn more about Italian immigration to the U.S.?

There are many books written on this topic. “La Storia,” “Passage to Liberty,” and “Long Island Italians” are some of the books you can read to know more about Italian immigration in the 1800s.

Do Italian Americans speak Italian?

A majority of Italian Americans do not speak Italian, although they might toss in a few Italian words during conversations. There are some families, however, who speak fluent Italian.

Are there famous Italian-American boxers?

Yes! World-champion boxers like Rocky Graziano, Jake LaMotta, Willie Pep, Rocky Marciano, and Primo Carnera were all Italian Americans.

How To Celebrate Italian-American Heritage And Culture Month

  1. Visit little Italy

    What better way to celebrate Italian Heritage and Culture Month than to immerse yourself in Italian culture completely. Visit little Italy in San Diego, Chicago, or New York and spend some time in the beautiful parks, ball courts, and bakeries.

  2. Cook Italian

    Celebrations of Italian-American Heritage Month are not complete without having Italian food. Spaghetti Carbonara, Neapolitan Pizza, Ribollita, and Tiramisu are some of the Italian favorites you can try. Check out our post on National Pasta Day to learn more about the history of Italian Pasta.

  3. Watch documentaries

    Watch the fascinating stories of Italian immigrants to understand and appreciate the hardships faced by them and how, against all odds, they managed to be successful in America. You can watch video documentaries on YouTube or Amazon Prime.

5 Facts About Italy That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. It is the fifth most visited country

    With destinations like Venice, Rome, Pisa, and Milan, it is no wonder that Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world.

  2. The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater

    The Roman Colosseum built in 70 A.D. remains the largest standing amphitheater in the world today.

  3. Ancient Roman games were held here

    Gladiator fights, chariot races, and other Roman games were held in the Roman Colosseum.

  4. The smallest country is in Italy

    The smallest country in the world, The Vatican City, is in Rome, Italy.

  5. The Dolomites are in Italy

    The majestic Italian Dolomitic Alps, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is situated in the province of Belluno, Italy.

Why We Love Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month

  1. There are over 15.7 million Italian-Americans in the U.S.

    The Italian-Americans constitute almost 6% of the U.S. population. Hence, this month allows us to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of Italian-Americans in building the nation.

  2. It is an opportunity to learn more about U.S. history

    This is an excellent time, especially for history nerds, to dig deeper into the history of Italian immigration in the 1800s. It provides an opportunity to learn more about the millions of Italian families that fled Italy in search of greener pastures.

  3. It is the perfect time to enjoy Italian cuisine

    This month provides an opportunity to taste Italian dishes that you've never tried before. Many restaurants celebrate Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month by serving either authentic Italian or Italian-American dishes.

Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month dates

YearDateDay
2024October 1Tuesday
2025October 1Wednesday
2026October 1Thursday
2027October 1Friday
2028October 1Sunday
Elderly Filipino Week
Fungal Disease Awareness Week
National Walk Your Dog Week
Ancestors' Day
Balloons Around the World Day
Balloons Around the World Day
CD Player Day
CD Player Day
China National Day
Cyprus Independence Day
Filipino American Month
Filipino American History Month
International Coffee Day
​International Day of Older Persons
International Music Day
International Music Day
Investiture Ceremony of the Captains Regent
Model T Day
Model T Day
National Black Dog Day
National Day of China
National Fire Pup Day
National Fruit at Work Day
National Hair Day
National Homemade Cookie Day
National Lace Day
National Poetry Day
National Raccoon Day
Nigeria Independence Day
Pchum Ben
ROK Alliance Day
Teacher's Day in Uzbekistan
Tuvalu Independence Day
World Sake Day
World Vegetarian Day
ADHD Awareness Month
Adopt a Shelter Dog Month
AIDS Awareness Month
American Pharmacists Month
American Pharmacists Month
Bat Appreciation Month
Bat Appreciation Month
Black Speculative Fiction Month
Blindness Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Caffeine Addiction Recovery Month
Celebrate The Bilingual Child Month
Celebrate The Bilingual Child Month
Church-Library
Church Library Month
Contact Lens Safety Month
Country Music Month
Critical Illness Awareness Month
Dental Hygiene Month
Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Dyslexia Awareness Month
Eat Better, Eat Together Month
Emotional Wellness Month
Eye Injury Prevention Month
Fair Trade Month
Family History Month
Financial Planning Month
Financial Planning Month
German-American Heritage Month
​Global Diversity Awareness Month
Go-Sober-For-October
Go Sober For October — October
Halloween-Safety-Month
Halloween Safety Month
Head Start Awareness Month
Health Literacy Month
Healthy Lung Month
Hog Out Month
International School Libraries Month
International Walk To School Month
International Walk To School Month
Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month
Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month
​Italian-American Heritage Month
LGBTQ+ History Month
LGBTQ+ History Month
Liver Awareness Month
Long Term Care Planning Month
Menopause Month
Museums and Galleries Month
National Animal Safety and Protection Month
National Apple Month
National Apple Month
National Arts & Humanities Month
National Audiology Awareness Month
National Book Month
​National Bullying Prevention Month
National Caramel Month
National Chili Month
National Chiropractic Month
National Church Safety and Security Month
National Cookbook Month
National Cookie Month
National Cookie Month
National-Crime-Prevention-Month
National Crime Prevention Month
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month - October
National Depression Education and Awareness Month
National Dessert Month
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
​National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
National Ergonomics Month
National Indigenous Peoples Month
National Learning and Development Month
National LGBT History Month
National Medical Librarians Month
National Medical Librarians Month
National Non-GMO Month
National Orthodontic Health Month
National Pasta Month
National Pescatarian Month
National Pet Wellness Month
National Pickled Peppers Month
National Pizza Month
National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
National Pretzel Month
National Protect Your Hearing Month
National Sausage Month
National Work and Family Month
Physical Therapy Month
Pitbull Awareness Month
Polish American Heritage Month
Prenatal-onset GBS Disease Recognition Month
Rett Syndrome Awareness Month
Spina Bifida Awareness Month
SQUIRREL AWARENESS MONTH
The Big Draw
Ultrasound Awareness Month
Unblocktober
Vegetarian Month
World Animal Month
World Habitat Awareness Month

Holidays Straight to Your Inbox

Every day is a holiday!
Receive fresh holidays directly to your inbox.