June 2025
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Best laid plans….; only constant is change……; etc. Those old adages that are often scary to think about can, in my mind anyway, be considered other meanings for “dynamic”. The Dante Alighieri Society is currently in a “dynamic” state as we are faced with making changes necessary to continue providing the cultural and education experiences expected of the organization. But rest assured, our foundation will not change though processes might. In the meantime, we have a lot of experiences in the works over the next several months as we continue to fulfil our mission “to share and celebrate the richness of the Italian culture and language with the entire community”.
John Giardino
ITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES - ENROLLMENT IS OPEN!
Ready to bring a little la dolce vita into your life? Whether you're starting from ciao or perfecting your pronunciation, our summer classes are here to transport you straight to Italy!
𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍!
- Learn from passionate, experienced instructors
- Choose from in-person or online options
- Small class sizes, big community spirit
- It’s more than just a language class—it’s your passport to culture, connection, and fun!
Let your Italian journey begin with the 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
DID YOU KNOW?
Italy Is The World's Leading Wine Producer
Italy holds the prestigious title of being the largest wine producer in the world, a distinction it often shares in close competition with France. Thanks to its unique geography, diverse microclimates, and centuries of tradition, Italy produces an astonishing variety of wines that are celebrated around the globe. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the volcanic soils of Sicily, nearly every region of the country cultivates grapes and contributes to Italy’s global wine legacy.
With over 500 officially recognized grape varieties, Italy boasts more native varietals than any other country. This extraordinary biodiversity results in wines that range from bold reds like Barolo and Chianti, to crisp whites such as Pinot Grigio and Verdicchio. The tradition of winemaking in Italy stretches back over 4,000 years to the Etruscans and ancient Romans, who were early masters of viticulture and believed wine to be an essential part of daily life.
Today, Italian wines are not only enjoyed locally but exported worldwide, accounting for billions of dollars in global sales. Wine production in Italy is governed by strict quality classifications such as DOC and DOCG, which help preserve the authenticity and reputation of each region’s output. Whether you’re sipping a glass of Prosecco in Venice or enjoying a bold Nero d’Avola in Palermo, Italian wine tells the story of its land and its people.
What sets Italy apart isn't just the volume of wine it produces, but the deep cultural connection to wine itself. It’s more than a beverage—it's a symbol of hospitality, heritage, and artistry. For Italians, wine is woven into everyday life, enjoyed at family dinners, festive gatherings, and quiet moments alike. It's no wonder that Italy’s vineyards continue to inspire wine lovers and connoisseurs across the globe.
“Love insists the loved loves back”
―
TIPS ON ITALY by Tonya Clement
Tips for Learning the Italian Language
We know the best way to learn Italian is to immerse ourselves but that is easier said than done as we can’t just move to Italy for a month or two. I have been struggling with how to become more comfortable with learning and speaking Italian while living in the US. After five years, I think I have figured out a few ideas that will keep us all challenged and provide a few methods to the madness. It goes without saying that the key is to spend time every day learning and practicing.
Here are some ways to do just that.
- Jumpstart your language learning journey by enrolling in a class with the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver. Our program offers a variety of valuable resources—most notably, a skilled instructor who will guide you through learning materials and help you refine your pronunciation. You'll also benefit from the structure of weekly classes, keeping you motivated and engaged. Plus, your instructor will be available to answer questions and support your progress between sessions.
- Meet with your fellow students outside of the classroom to practice. Not only can you meet up at fun Italian venues, but you can also simply meet just prior to class to review the lessons of the prior week. It is helpful to see where others excel and where they struggle. You will learn by helping others through their rough patches.
- There are now many AI applications that now allow you to choose an Italian speaker to converse with about any topic you choose. You can speak or write to your chosen Italian partner and the machine will score and correct your responses. When you do not know how to respond, it will give you an appropriate response. The thing I like best about this is that I can simply listen and practice my comprehension. If the speaker is talking too fast, I can slow down his/her delivery or play it back multiple times until I grasp the dialogue. My favorite AI application is MYF (makes you fluent).
- Watch movies and tv programs either in Italian with English subtitles or in English with Italian subtitles. There are many options available via Netflix and Prime. This is a great way to learn because the movie provides context for what is being said which makes comprehension a bit easier. We are more likely to remember words if we can connect them to the specific situations we might use them in.
GETTING TO KNOW FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA, ITALY
A Region of Culture, Contrast, and Discovery
Nestled in Italy’s northeast corner, where the Alps meet the Adriatic Sea and Italian tradition intersects with Central European influences, Friuli Venezia Giulia is a region unlike any other in Italy. Known for its multicultural heritage, dramatic landscapes, and refined cuisine, this hidden gem offers a captivating experience for curious travelers seeking both authenticity and variety.
Here are some fascinating aspects of Friuli Venezia Giulia:
Economy:
Friuli Venezia Giulia has a robust and diversified economy, driven by manufacturing, agriculture, and international trade. The region is a key industrial hub, especially in sectors like shipbuilding, mechanical engineering, and furniture design, with the city of Monfalcone known for its world-class shipyards. Agriculture also plays a significant role, particularly in the production of high-quality wines, dairy products, and cured meats. Thanks to its strategic location bordering Austria and Slovenia, the region thrives as a cultural and commercial crossroads with strong export activity and cross-border cooperation.
Architecture:
Architecture in Friuli Venezia Giulia reflects its blend of Italian, Slavic, and Austro-Hungarian influences. In cities like Trieste, visitors can admire elegant neoclassical and Viennese-style buildings alongside Roman ruins and medieval fortresses. The Roman Forum of Aquileia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases the region’s ancient roots, while Cividale del Friuli displays stunning Lombard architecture. Whether it’s the hilltop castles of Gorizia or the Venetian-style piazzas of Udine, the region offers a captivating architectural journey through centuries of cultural convergence.
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.
