July 2025
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
This year marks a remarkable milestone for the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver: our 40th anniversary. In the grand scope of time, forty years may seem brief — but for a volunteer-led organization rooted in culture, language, and community, it represents something truly enduring and meaningful.
Since 1985, our Society has been a vibrant force in celebrating Italian heritage and sharing the beauty of Italy’s language, food, art, and traditions with the Denver community. Thanks to the passion of our members, the dedication of our volunteers, and the curiosity of lifelong learners, we’ve built a legacy that continues to thrive.
While we had hoped to mark this anniversary with an elaborate gala, some unexpected demands have shifted those plans. But milestones like these deserve recognition — and we intend to do just that.
This October, during Italian Heritage Month, we’ll host a special celebration honoring our past, embracing our present, and looking ahead to an exciting future. It will be an opportunity to reconnect, to reflect, and to recommit to the mission that has brought us together for four decades.
I invite you to be a part of it. Whether you've been with us since the beginning or recently discovered the Society, your presence matters. Join us in making this anniversary not just a reflection of what we’ve done — but a springboard for all that’s still to come.
Grazie di cuore, and I look forward to celebrating with you.
Warmly,
John Giardino
President, Dante Alighieri Society of Denver
LEONARDO DA VINCI MUSEUM - A Special Preview Event
Unveiling the Genius of Leonardo da Vinci
The Dante Alighieri Society of Denver cordially invites you to an exclusive preview of the forthcoming Leonardo da Vinci Museum of North America, set to open in Pueblo, Colorado, in late 2025. This museum, the first and only permanent institution of its kind in the United States, is a collaborative endeavor with the esteemed Museo Leonardo da Vinci in Florence and the Artisans of Florence. It will feature authentic, life-sized replicas of Leonardo's inventions, meticulously crafted by Italian artisans using materials true to the Renaissance period.
Join us on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 2pm for an immersive journey into the mind of one of history's greatest polymaths. Experience interactive exhibits that bring Leonardo's visionary concepts to life, from his innovative flying machines to groundbreaking engineering designs. This event offers a unique opportunity to engage with the rich Italian heritage and the enduring legacy of Leonardo da Vinci. Don't miss this chance to celebrate the fusion of art, science, and innovation that defines Leonardo's genius.
LOCATION: Apex Community Recreation Center
ADDRESS: 6842 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80003
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel 94th Annual Bazaar – July 2025
Mark your calendars! The beloved Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Italian Catholic Church Bazaar is celebrating its 94th year this July—and you're invited to be part of the tradition.
This cherished community event features:
- Live Music
- Authentic Italian Food
- Italian-Style Ceramics
- Children’s Games
- Unique Italian Goods (Large & Small)
- Grand Raffle – Drawing Sunday, July 20th at 7:00 PM
- Bingo, Pickle Pull Tabs & More!
Spotlight on the Italian Bowls Booth:
Sponsored by the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver, the Italian Bowls Booth is a highlight of the bazaar!
Here’s how it works:
- Guests purchase tickets for numbers 1 through 60
- A giant “Wheel of Fortune”-style spinner determines the winning number
- Winners select a one-of-a-kind imported Italian ceramic piece
- It’s fun, fast-paced, and full of excitement!
Saturday, July 19th, 5pm-10pm | Sunday, July 20th, 4pm-9pm
LOCATION: OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL
ADDRESS: 3549 Navajo Street, Denver, CO 80211
“I love to doubt as well as know.”
―
TIPS ON ITALY by Tonya Clement
350 Shapes of Tradition: Exploring Italy’s Incredible Variety of Pasta
Did you know that Italy is home to more than 350 different types of pasta? That’s right—more than 350 unique shapes, each with its own name, origin, and purpose. From the familiar spaghetti and penne to the regional specialties like trofie, orecchiette, and malloreddus, pasta in Italy is far more than a meal—it's a reflection of regional identity, history, and ingenuity.
Pasta Isn’t Just Pasta
To outsiders, pasta might seem like a simple carb canvas for sauce. But for Italians, pasta is deeply tied to where you are and who you’re with. In Sicily, you might be served bucatini with sardines and wild fennel; in Apulia, the ear-shaped orecchiette are handmade and tossed with broccoli rabe. Up north in Liguria, short twisted trofie are perfectly designed to catch the creamy richness of fresh pesto.
Each shape has a story—and a sauce it loves. For example:
TRAVEL REFLECTIONS BLOG
Travel Reflections, our community blog that celebrates your captivating travel stories! This is your chance to transport readers to the enchanting corners of Italy through your experiences. Whether you've uncovered a hidden gem in Sicily or wandered the scenic vineyards of Tuscany, we want to hear your unique tales.
Ready to contribute? It’s easy! Just fill out our simple online form and let your unique stories weave a vibrant tapestry of Italy’s culture. Don’t miss the chance to spark curiosity and inspire others—submit your story today and celebrate the magic of travel with our community!
DANTE GLOBAL - A BENEFIT FOR OUR MEMBERS
As a proud chapter of the internationally renowned Società Dante Alighieri, the Denver Dante Alighieri Society is pleased to offer our members exclusive access to Dante.global—an international digital platform designed to connect learners and enthusiasts to the rich world of Italian language and culture.
Through Dante.global, members gain privileged access to a wide range of cultural resources, digital libraries, and Italian language courses—including in-person learning opportunities in five cities across Italy. This members-only portal offers a personalized, immersive experience available only through official chapter membership.
Complete the registration form to receive your personalized Dante ID card.
Start exploring authentic Italian experiences—right from your screen or in Italy itself—with this exciting member benefit from the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver.
ITALIAN COMMUNITY CALENDAR - NEW
Discover the New Italian Community Calendar!
As we look ahead and continue celebrating the vibrant Italian community here in Colorado, we’re excited to introduce something special just for you: Our New Italian Community Calendar!
Why You’ll Love the New Calendar:
- A Hub for All Italian Events
From cooking classes to cultural festivals and wine tastings, now it’s easier than ever to discover Italian-themed events happening across Colorado — all in one place!
- Easy Access to New Experiences
Finding your next Italian adventure is simple. Our online calendar is updated regularly, making it effortless to stay connected with everything happening in the community.
Let’s celebrate, connect, and grow together!
We’re thrilled to be your go-to source for all things Italian in Colorado. Whether you’re attending events, discovering new traditions, or meeting fellow enthusiasts, our calendar is here to keep you informed and inspired.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
As some of you may know, our previous Dante Facebook page was suspended a couple of months ago. Despite several attempts to resolve the issue, we were unable to get a response. As a result, we've decided to create a brand-new page. You can now find us at www.facebook.com/dasdenver.
While we’re still in the process of transferring some of our content, rest assured that we’re working diligently to get everything in place.
How You Can Help
- We would greatly appreciate it if you could visit our new page, give us a "Like," and "Follow" so you can stay up to date with all of our latest news.
Our new Facebook page will be active, informative, and an excellent resource for keeping up with everything Italian in our community.
The Dante Alighieri Society of Denver exists to share and celebrate
the richness of the Italian culture and language with the entire community.
