August 2024
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
My wife and I recently took our three youngest grandchildren to New York City, wanting them to experience the vibrance, chaos and history of arguably the most famous city in the world. In a few short days we walked the Brooklyn Bridge, saw the Statue of Liberty, visited the 911 Memorial, walked through Central Park, toured the Tenement Museum, awed at Times Square, and more. More included the obligatory tour of Little Italy. Though this iconic part of lower Manhattan is shrinking, it still retains the flavor of its namesake, Italy. Wandering down the bustling streets brought back memories of North Denver when I was growing up - three of four Italian restaurants in walking distance, three Italian markets nearby, the fresh fruit and vegetable truck that came by Nanie’s house in the morning, and of course, the church, Mt. Carmel. While Our Lady is still there, the neighborhood has become a weird mixture of the traditional and the neo-modern. Over the years I’ve heard rumblings of a “Little Italy” in the downtown Denver area, but nothing so far. It would be wonderful if that ever happened but, in the meantime, let’s do everything we can to hold on to the culture and the language we know and love. The Dante Alighieri Society of Denver is committed to that purpose. We’ll always welcome your collaboration in doing so.
Grazie, John Giardino
SUMMER PICNIC - SAVE THE DATE!
The Society will provide hamburgers, sausages, and hotdogs, as well as beer, wine, soft drinks and water. Plates, napkins, cups and plasticware will also be provided. Attending families are asked to bring the following (with utensils for these dishes if needed):
Last name beginning A-L: Salad or side dish
Last name beginning M-Z: Dessert
There is a backstop for kickball and a sand volleyball court, but please bring your own equipment for games you wish to play. There is no cost to members and their families but reservations are required. To RSVP, please contact Rhonda Hopkins at
We are looking forward to seeing you all there!
Date: August 11th
Time: 4pm - 6pm
Where: Oakhurst Park West Pavilion, 9311 Lark Bunting Drive, Westminster, CO 80031
CULTURAL MEETING
Virility, Blood, and Honor: Italy’s Belated Entry into WWI in 1915
Presented by: Steven C. Hughes, Professor Emeritus of History at Loyola University Maryland
Date: Sept. 13th
Time: 7:30pm
LOCATION: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church Parish Hall
ADDRESS: 3549 Navajo St, Denver, CO 80211
Refreshments and social time will follow.
ITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES
FALL SESSION OF ITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES BEGINS SEPTEMBER 16, 2024 The Society’s ten-week summer session of in-person Italian language classes is currently underway. The fall session of Italian language classes will begin the week of September 16, 2024. The schedule for fall classes will be posted on the Dante Alighieri Society website by August 12. The registration deadline for the fall session is September 9. Classes are taught by experienced and talented bi-lingual teachers, and include beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes. Each 10-week class meets once a week for 90 minutes.
Beginning this fall, we will offer a 10-week Beginner 1 class on Saturday mornings from 10:30-12:00. It will be held at Jersey Street Osteria, and details are on the website.
New students are welcome to join the Dante Alighieri Society when they register for classes.
COST: $130 for members, $160 for non-members
LOCATION: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church - Parish Hall
ADDRESS: 3549 Navajo St, Denver, CO 80211
Paganini Non Ripete by Tonya Clement
During a recent food tour in Genova while walking past the Teatro Falcone, our guide spoke of a famous Italian Violinist in an effort to teach me and my friends a new phrase:“Paganini non ripete.” (Literally, “Paganini does not repeat”) Usually humorous, sometimes menacing, it is said when someone is unwilling to repeat what they have already said. Let’s break it down.
Niccolo Paganini was a famous composer and violinist. He was born in Genova in 1782 and died in 1840. His trade was a ship chandler but he was not very successful. He supplemented his income working as a musician and selling mandolins. He learned to play the mandolin at five and the violin by seven. He quickly became a phenomenon, and his violin techniques remain admired by many accomplished musicians.
Where did the phrase originate? While there are different reports of who specifically asked Paganini for an encore, it is known that Paganini was constantly improvising and making each and every performance a unique experience for both the audience and for himself. Given his reluctance to repeat a performance, he was coined with responding “Paganini non ripete.”
Today, “Paganini non ripete” is occasionally repeated when someone is reluctant to repeat a past action or statement.
BUON FERRAGOSTO! Italy's Favorite Summer Holiday
Every summer, on August 15th, Italians look forward to celebrating La Festa di Ferragosto. The Ferragosto Festival is a major summer holiday celebrated in Italy, Vatican City, San Marino and Ticino, Switzerland (the Italian speaking part of southern Switzerland). Most people, even locals, do not understand what this holiday celebrates. However, by the end of this article, not only will you know the origins of this summer holiday but how to spend it like a true Italian.
Origins:
In 18 BC, Emperor Octavianus Augustus aka “Octavian” created the Feriae Augusti (literally, Augustus Celebrations) in honor of himself. At the time, it was held on August 1st each year, and was meant to be a day of rest in the high heat of the summer for the citizens of the Roman Empire. Citizens were encouraged to attend various public events such as horse races, feasts and parades of draft animals (oxen and donkeys) exempt from working in the fields that were marched through the streets adorned with flowers. Even though workers had the day off, a key feature of the festa was for employers to pay the workers their day’s wages. This made the Feriae Augusti holiday even more popular and beloved.
Evolution:
As Italy transitioned from a Pagan to a Christian-Catholic country, many Roman festività were adapted to fit the changes in Italian society. Around the 7th century, Ferragosto was then rebranded to celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Mary’s ascension into heaven). The holiday was moved from August 1st to August 15th. No longer was the day meant to be a raucous political celebration but a time for rest, prayer and devotion to the Blessed Mother. To this day, August 15th is a Holy Day of Obligation in the Roman Catholic church – meaning you are “obligated” to attend mass on this day.
In 1925, Ferragosto underwent another massive change that helped the holiday go back to its roots as well as modernize for coming generations. At the time, Mussolini, leader of the Fascist regime, was the ruler of Italy. He aimed to cultivate a national identity and culture after years of Italy being fragmented and divided. Part of that plan was to encourage Italians citizens to travel to other parts of Italy to visit historically and culturally significant cities such as Rome, Florence, Venice, and Bologna. Since travel was out of the question for most of the population at the time, the government encouraged small one-to- three-day trips, allowed for these days to be paid holidays and created “holiday trains” with extremely low-cost tickets that made these small trips possible. At the time, for many, it was their first time seeing the ocean or the mountains or important works of art, monuments, and architecture. This evolution of la festa di Ferragosto would serve to cement traditions surrounding this holiday in Italian culture and identity, some of which continue to this day.
How to celebrate like an Italian:
- In general, after you have gone to Mass like a good Catholic, Italians tend to spend this holiday in the following ways:
- At the beach – sun, surf and a nice cool drink makes this choice very popular indeed
- In the mountains – cool, beautiful and away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is also a popular choice
- At the park – picnics and get-togethers at the local parks are also popular
- In cultural centers (nei centri culturali) – although less important than it used to be, it was during this time that Italians would use their paid days off to visit important cultural cities, museums and historical sites. However, these days Italians travel the world and do not stay in Italy only for this holiday.
- Fireworks (fuochi d’artificio), markets (mercati) and backyard BBQs – a perfect day in your own city or home celebrating with family and friends. A very popular and traditional Ferragosto meal is polenta and cinghiale (wild boar) to represent the coming fall and winter seasons.
Popular Ferragosto Traditions:
- Palio dell’Assunta - Siena, Tuscany hosts a horse race the in the main square on August 16th; the day before features a parade, opening events and markets (https://www.ilpalio.org/palioenglish.htm)
- The Joust of Saracino (La Giostra del Saracino) - Sarteano, Tuscany (an hour away from Siena) host this event with roots in the fourteenth century, the event is inspired by ruthless medieval jousting tournaments. (https://www.giostradelsaracino.it/)
- La Cavalcata dell’Assunta in Fermo - yet another horse-related activity for you! In the evening of August 14th and in the afternoon of August 15th, citizens of ten city quarters, wearing clothing, coat of arms and shields like they did in the Middle Ages, walk in a parade. The following afternoon, there is a horse race, as well as medieval games such as the tug of war, archery and a Tamburini contest. While there, you can also try the traditional dishes of the Marche region. What’s not to like?! (https://www.visitfermo.it/en/unmissable-events/cavalcata-dell-assunta)
- Gran Ballo di Ferragosto in Rome - The Gran Ballo (great dance) is made up of different events that take place in different parts of the city in the squares and parks of Rome. The piazza are filled with the performances of professional dancers for the Gran Ballo di Ferragosto. Squares throughout the city are enlivened by performances of all walks of life, from tango to rock, hip-hop, ballroom dancing, and more, with a giant concert in the Parco Archeologico of Teatro Marcello, as well.
- La Vara di Messina - Even if you’re not religious, I recommend you go see the Vara in the town of Messina, in Sicily. This is not your typical procession – this is taken to another level here. The structure carrying Mary is some 14 meters high and weighing about 8 tons. This papier-mâché pyramid of sorts, pulled by ropes through crowded streets, depicts Mary supported on the hand of Christ, ascending into heaven. She is accompanied by apostles, angels, and the Sun and the Moon, among other things. In the evening, the structure is beautifully illuminated and a Mass takes place. (https://www.guideturistichemessina.it/la-vara-of-messina/?lang=en)
- Discesa dei Candelieri in Sassari, Sardegna – the “Descent of the Candlesticks” is a five-century-old festival taking place on August 14th. Participants, representing ancient working classes of the city, carry 11 big wooden columns, representing candles through the city streets, attracting 100,000 tourists from around the world every year. This UNESCO heritage event honors the vow made to the Virgin Mary who, according to the popular belief, put an end to a terrible plague. (https://candelierisassari.it/en/the-celebration/)
Whatever you decide to do this August 15th, I wish you a very fun and relaxing “Buon Ferragosto” If you have ever been to one of the Ferragosto traditional festivals mentioned here, please feel free to email
MEET ANNE CUCHI, Education Chairperson:
Dante Alighieri Society of Denver
Anne and Fausto Cucchi1. How long have you been a Board Member for Dante Alighieri Society of Denver? What offices do you currently hold? What offices have you held in the past? I have been a Board member for Dante Alighieri since January 2024, when I became the Dante Italian School Chairperson. This is the only office I have held apart from being a member for 5-6 years.
2. What region in Italy were your ancestors from? If you do not have Italian ancestors, what is the ethnic background of your family? Have you ever been there and what was your experience? Two of my Grandmothers were from different towns in the Piemonte region of Italy (Pessinetto & Moncalieri), one of my Grandfathers came from Sicily (Francofonte), close to Siracusa and the other Grandfather came from the South Western area of Austria.
3. When did you or your ancestors arrive in America, and where did they settle originally? Did they come right to Colorado? I was born in Africa (Ethiopia) but went to Torino in Piedmont when I was 2 and went to school there with brief periods in London and Paris. I got my PhD in Geology from Turin University. I came the first time to The US in 1962 near Buffalo, NY, then permanently in 1976 to Raleigh, NC.
4. If you had to describe yourself in one word, what word would that be, and why? I would describe myself as a "Problem Solver", because in my work and in my life, I am continually presented with problems that I need to deal with quickly.
Anne's Children
(top left to bottom right)
Eric, Sean, Sharon and Jessica5. Who was most influential to you growing up, and why? My father was probably the most influential person in my life while growing up, He had the largest private investigations agency in Italy and had to continually make fast decisions after analyzing all the details of the issues. Working for him I learned to consider every angle and then make a quick decision.
6. Tell us a little about you, employment, family, interests, etc… I have worked for many years as a Geologist, then changed careers and became a Real Estate Broker, first in North Carolina and then here in Denver. I have 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls, 6 Grandsons, 2 Granddaughters. All my kids are professionals, 2 live here in Denver at the moment, one lives in Virginia and one in Kauai.
7. How would you most like to be remembered? I would like to be remembered as a kind, friendly and happy friend.
8. What attracted you about joining the Dante Alighieri Society? I joined the Dante Alighieri Society to help keep the Italian language, tradition and culture alive and vibrant.
9. What else would you like us to know about you? I try to travel back to Italy every year and try to visit different regions each time. So far I believe that Sicily and Tuscany are the most beautiful sections of Italy.
Italian Culture: The Procession Explained
This past weekend, the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver supported and participated in the 130th Annual Our Lady of Mount Carmel procession. While our Society is not a religious organization and possesses no religious affiliation, it is an organization that celebrates Italian language and culture. The practice of parading through the streets with a religious statue couldn’t be more steeped in Italian cultural tradition. Let’s break it down.
Pamela Marcantonio, Anissa Madrill and John GiardinoAll over Italy, it is not uncommon to see religious processions during Easter and other Saints' Feast days. Participation is robust from all ages and organizations in the town and surrounding areas. While it may seem that this is strictly a religious thing, it goes deeper than that. At a typical procession there is usually every type of person present: young, old, and in between, professionals, workers, nuns, moms, dads, believers, unbelievers, good, not-so-good, and the rest of us.
Historically, religious processions likely evolved from figures of Gods being honored in the Roman Empire and carried through the streets. From those beginnings, the procession originated as an expression of the people asking for divine help from the Gods. Rather than abolishing this practice, Christians assimilated it, giving the practice a new context.
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel processionThe procession is an expression of the history and culture of a people. One does not have to be a “believer” or Christian to participate. Yes, there is a faith aspect to the procession, however, that is not a requirement. All are welcome to be part of that event that marks Good Friday or another feast day to make it memorable, give it meaning, and be part of the community. The amazing thing is that, at a procession, everyone is welcome. Nothing is asked of you. You can observe, participate or just be present.
So why is a procession an Italian cultural thing that survives in Italy and Italian communities throughout the world to this day? Because it has the meaning that each participant brings to it. For some, it is a sacred moment, asking for divine help. For others, it is a historical continuation. For others still, it is an experience to admire another culture from the sidelines. For everyone, it is an expression of community in which everyone is welcome to play a part. The sense of community, faith, history, and welcome are all moments that make processions well worth participating in.
See you at the next procession!
PRIMA DOMENICA: Italian Mass
In celebration of our rich Italian history, La Prima Domenica: Mass in Italian is on the first Sunday of every month. Breakfast served afterward in the Parish Hall. All are welcome!
Date: Sun, August 4th
Time: 9:00 am
Where: 3549 Navajo Street Denver, CO, 80211
www.ourladymountcarmel.com
ITALIAN COMMUNITY CALENDAR
The events listed below are community-wide events by Italian organizations in the Denver metro area. To have your Italian-America event published in the Notiziario, please email
JULY 2024
July 26th-Aug. 11th - Zoppé: An Italian Family Circus
For more information and to purchase tickets click here: https://zoppe.net
An Old-World Family Circus that has been around for more than 180 years. Real. Immersive. Fascinating. Suspend your modern world, rejuvenate with joy, inspiration and connection.
July 27 (Sat) 10am-3pm - Red Lion Run Car Show
Where: Leprino Foods Company, 1830 W 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80211
Hosted by Italians of America
Join us for the Red Lion Run Classic Car, Truck and Bike Show benefitting Food For Thought Denver. Registration fee is just $25 and if you pre-register online at https://italiansofamerica.org/red-lion-run, our first 100 registrants will receive a free meal ticket!
July 27th (Sat) 6pm-9pm - Spano's Farm-to-Table Dinner
Where: Spano's Fresh Produce/Dominic Spano Greenhouse,LLC, 5820 Lowell Blvd, Denver, CO 80221
Hosted by Spano's Fresh Produce
For reservations and to pre-pay, call Marie at 303-901-3356. $95 per person
(Antipasti board, Tortellini with Vodka sauce, Chicken Spiedini served with Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans Almondine, Fresh Strawberry Shortcake)
Bring your favorite bottle of wine to enjoy with dinner!
AUGUST 2024
Aug. 1 (Thurs) 6:30-8:30pm - Russ Canino Live! (local musician)
Where: 3 Sons Italian Restaurant & Bar, 14805 W 64th Ave, Arvada, CO 80007
Call 303-455-4366 for reservations
Aug. 4 (Sun) 9am-11am - Prima Domenica: Mass in Italian
Where: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 3549 Navajo St, Denver, CO 80211
Mass In Italian followed by breakfast in the Parish Hall.
https://www.ourladymountcarmel.com
Aug. 9th (Fri) 6:30pm-9:30pm - Bocce Ballin': Learn to Play Bocce
Where: Mickey's Top Sirloin, 6950 Broadway, Denver, CO 80221
Hosted by Filitalia Denver
Learn to play bocce with Filitalia Denver! We have a few expert players on our board ready to teach you the art of bocce!
6:30–7:30pm: Dinner & Social Hour
7:30–9:30pm: Bocce Lessons & Games
$5 for members, $10 for non-members. Kids 12 and under are free! Reserve your spot now because space is limited to 28. If kids will be joining, please enter how many in the "Notes" section at check-out.
Pre-pay here: https://filitaliadenver.square.site/
Aug. 11th (Sun) 4pm-6pm - Dante Alighieri Summer Picnic (Members Only)
Where: Oakhurst Park West Pavilion, 9311 Lark Bunting Drive, Westminster, CO 80031
(see above)
Aug. 16th-18th - 129th Annual St. Rocco's Feast
(Fri- Sat) 5pm to 10pm / (Sun) 4pm-8pm
Where: Potenza Lodge Hall, 1900 W 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80211
Hosted by the Potenza Lodge (https://www.potenzalodge.com)
Enjoy food, drinks, games and Italian fun for the whole family!
Aug. 18th (Sun) 11am-2:30pm - St. Rocco Mass and Procession
Where: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Italian Catholic Church, 3549 Navajo St, Denver, CO 80211
Bidding for the statue of St. Rocco begins immediately after the 11am Mass. Procession to follow. All proceeds from the bidding go to Mt. Carmel Church.
Aug. 18th (Sun) 4pm-7pm - Picnic Italiano at Washington Park
Where: Washington Park, Denver, CO
Hosted by Little Italy Denver (https://www.littleitalyofdenver.com)
Rieccoci! Dopo un breve break a luglio, torniamo con la versione estiva dell'Aperitivo Italiano e questa volta è di DOMENICA!! ☀️☀️ Ci troveremo a Wash Park 🌳🌲🌿 il 18 Agosto dalle 4pm MT per un picnic con tutta la famiglia: portate qualcosa da bere, mangiare e condividere! Sarà un’occasione per avere tutti, anche i più piccoli con noi e dare un occasione a quelli che vivono più lontani di poter venire a Denver. Ci vedremo nel prato vicino al parco giochi dei bambini; portate una coperta o una sedia per stare comodi sul prato e, se volete, portate dei giochi da fare in compagnia al parco.
Se avete difficoltà a trovarci, chiamate Olivia a 720-308-6669. Ci vediamo presto!
MEETING POINT: accanto al Washington Park Playground (vicino ai campi da Basketball)
SEPTEMBER 2024
Sept. 1st (Sun) 9am-11am - Prima Domenica: Mass in Italian
Where: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 3549 Navajo St, Denver, CO 80211
Mass In Italian followed by breakfast in the Parish Hall.
https://www.ourladymountcarmel.com
Sept. 5th (Thurs) 6:30-8:30pm - Russ Canino Live! (local musician)
Where: 3 Sons Italian Restaurant & Bar, 14805 W 64th Ave, Arvada, CO 80007
Call 303-455-4366 for reservations
Sat, Sept. 7th 10am–2pm - 12th Annual OSDIA Car Show
Where: Sons of Italy, 5925 W 32nd Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80212
Hosted by OSDIA Denver Lodge #2075
Free to the public. For more information, contact Sal @ 720-908-7701
Sept. 13th 7:30pm-9:00p - Virility, Blood, and Honor: Italy's Belated Entry into WWI
Where: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Italian Catholic Church, 3549 Navajo St, Denver, CO 80211
Hosted by the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver
Presented by: Steven C. Hughes, Professor Emeritus of History at Loyola University Maryland
For more information (see above)
Sept. 13th-15th (Fri, Sat.) 6pm-11pm (Sun) 5pm-10pm - 104th Assumption Parish Bazaar & Festival
Where: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 2361 E 78th Ave, Denver, CO 80229
Hosted by Assumption Catholic Parish
A festival with Catholic features, including a Catholic Goods Store, Italian and Mexican handheld items, Pickles, Bingo, Chuck-O-Luck, Country Stores, a $10,000 Grand Prize opportunity, a $500 Amazon Gift Card, and a Kids section with snack options.
Sept. 14th (Sat) 4pm-9pm - Italian American Heritage Night at Coors Field
Where: Coors Field, 2001 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205
Hosted by Italian American Baseball Foundation - Denver
Third annual Italian American Heritage Night at Coors Field. We will begin with a reception from 4-6pm at the Silver Bullet Bar on the Right Field Rooftop. $3 beers! Proceeds will support Lakewood Playball Youth Baseball and Softball Academy. See you there!
Discounted tickets that contribute to the fundraiser can only be purchased at https://www.mlb.com/rockies/tickets/specials/italian-american-baseball-foundation
The Dante Alighieri Society is seeking Members who wish to contribute content that will be published in the Notiziario. We are seeking monthly contributors, quarterly contributors and one-time submissions. You do not need to be a professional writer in order to submit an article or content idea. No idea is too silly or unimportant. We are simply seeking Members who have something to say and wish to contribute to the monthly newletter in a meaningful way. Please keep your stories and ideas related to Italian language and/or culture which is the mission of our society. All Members who have a passion for Italian culture and this organization are encouraged to reach out to Anissa at
Some ideas for content are:
- Italian Sports Reporter - Do you love Italian sports? Would you share your knowledge and stories with us? This could be any Italian sport i.e. soccer, horse racing, biking, Formula 1, Bocci ball, etc...
- Immigration Story - share your family's immigration story with us. How did you or your Italian ancestors end up in America? What struggles and obstacles did they face?
- Italian Language - Share your love of the Italian language with us. This could be a one-time submission or a recurring segment that focuses on Italian grammar, idioms or Italian language learning in general.
- Italian Pop Culture - do you love pop-culture in Italy such as the latest and most popular music, movies, books and/or viral trends? Let us know! We would love to learn about the latest hip and happening thing in Italy.
- Recipes - Do you love to cook? Do you have an amazing Italian-American recipe or Old Country recipe handed-down through the generations that you would like to share with us? Mmmm! Please do.
- Italian American Hall of Fame - Who is your Italian American hero? Tell us about it.
The Dante Alighieri Society of Denver exists to share and celebrate
the richness of the Italian culture and language with the entire community.
