October 2025
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
In an article in the 1977 issue of The Colorado Magazine entitled Inside “Little Italy”: Italian Immigrants in Denver, Christine A. DeRose wrote, “the cumulative influx of Italians to Colorado took place between 1880 and 1895. As the immigrant population grew, it felt the need to form organizations to serve the new arrivals. … The first Italian Society, established in 1887, was called the Unione Fratellanza,….” The number of clubs grew rapidly. From what I’ve heard, there were at one time thirty-six different Italian organizations in Colorado.
The Dante Alighieri Society of Denver, chartered in 1985, has been a mainstay among Italian organizations for the past forty years. It has provided historical and cultural connections to both the Italian and non-Italian communities throughout the region. Over the past forty years, the Society has hosted language classes, cultural programs and festivals, and community outreach programs that have enriched Denver’s cultural landscape.
In recognition of this milestone, I am proud to announce the Society’s upcoming 40th Anniversary Celebration. Appropriately scheduled during Italian Heritage Month, the event will take place on the 24th of October at Balistreri Vineyards. I encourage everyone to attend this gala in honor of the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver and its founders. Their foresight led them to embark on a journey that has served not only the Italian community but also the entire metro area.
Join us for an evening of music, food, and camaraderie as we honor our shared heritage and look forward to many more years of cultural enrichment. Your presence will help us celebrate our past and inspire our future. For more information and to register, please go to our website, dantealighieriofdenver.com.
Grazie e ci vediamo presto!
John Giardino
President, Dante Alighieri Society of Denver
DANTE ALIGHIERI SOCIETY OF DENVER - 40 Years!!
Celebrate 40 Years of Italian Culture in Denver!
Join us for an unforgettable evening as the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver celebrates its 40th Anniversary Gala—a milestone honoring four decades of promoting Italian language, culture, and community.
Date & Time: Friday, October 24th, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Balistreri Vineyards - 1946 E. 66th Ave., Denver, CO 80229
Indulge in the Experience:
- A four-course Italian buffet paired with Balistreri’s award-winning wines
- Non-alcoholic beverages available for all guests
- Live music by Mark Giarratano and the Four Amicis, featuring Sal Martarano on Sax and Mark Hooper on Keyboard
- A special program sharing the story of DAS and honoring the founders and leaders who built this vibrant community
Tickets:
- $60 for DAS members
- $85 for non-members
This celebration is open to all who love Italy—our members, friends from other Italian organizations, and Italophiles throughout the community. Distinguished guests have been invited, including the Italian Consul General, local officials, and community leaders.
Reserve your place today for this special evening of culture, camaraderie, and celebration.
Everyone is welcome!
ITALIAN CULINARY CLASS
With Chef Mirabito
While working at Cafe Milan Chef Mirabito had an opportunity to present a dish on a local TV station's morning show.
The Chef chose a recipe that his Uncle Anthony had sent to him: Chicken Scarpariello, Shoemaker's Chicken.
Tom says, "I had tested the dish as a daily special and received feedback that it was flavorful but too much olive oil. So, I modified my uncle's recipe to include a bit of demiglace and cut back on the olive oil. It became a top seller, one of the best items on the menu. I was advised by my marketing consultant that the name Scarpariello wouldn't present well on the TV show. It was suggested that I change the name to Gangster Chicken. The name stuck. Since I had changed the name and the formula my Uncle Anthony never received any royalties!"
Menu
Gnocchi - Italian potato dumplings
- Potatoes and flour
- Pouched - tossed in brown sugar - shallots - garlic - topped with mixed chopped nuts and frutta secca
Chicken Scarpariello “Gangster Chicken”
- Roasted chopped chicken and Italian sausage
- Peperoncini- white wine– garlic – vinegar - demi-glace
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and honor Italian culture all while sharing stories and passion for Italy’s culinary heritage. Reserve your spot today and indulge in a journey that celebrates the heart and soul of Italy!
COST: $60 per person
LOCATION: Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Servite Hall)
ADDRESS: 3549 Navajo Street, Denver Co 80211
This Italian Culinary Class is limited to 12 individuals
TASTE OF ITALY – Denver Restaurant Tour
An Authentic Culinary Journey, One Month at a Time
Starting October 9, 2025, join the Dante Alighieri Society for “Taste of Italy” — a year-long dining experience that celebrates the flavors, stories, and traditions of Italy right here in Denver.
Every month, we’ll gather at a different local gem: family-owned trattorias, artisan bakeries, and cozy cafés that bring Italian heritage to life. Each evening is more than a meal — it’s an exploration of culture, community, and cucina italiana.
Expect hand-rolled pastas, wood-fired pizzas, Nonna’s treasured recipes, and regional wines — all served in settings where authenticity matters. No pretension, just real Italian food with real people.
Whether you’re passionate about Italian culture or simply love discovering new flavors, this intimate series is your invitation to eat, laugh, and connect in true Italian style.
First stop: October 9, 2025
Gallo Italian Supper Club - Englewood
This event is no longer accepting registrations...
The next restaurant on the Taste of Italy Tour will be announced next week and posted on Facebook.
Celebrate Italian Heritage Month
October is Italian Heritage Month—a time to honor the spirit, traditions, and enduring legacy of Italy and Italian Americans across Colorado and beyond. From the artistry of language and cuisine to the passion that defines our music, history, and community, this month reminds us of the beauty and influence of Italian culture in our daily lives. Join us in celebrating the pride of our heritage—attend an event, share your family stories, cook a favorite Italian dish, or simply take a moment to appreciate the rich cultural roots that continue to inspire generations. Viva l’Italia—today and always!
VIEW THE ITALIAN COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Lists Italian Heritage Month events accross Colorado.
“The secret of getting things done is to act.”
―
SCHOLARSHIP UPDATE - Kiley Traynor
As of today, I have officially been studying abroad in Sorrento for one month. September was easily the quickest, most fleeting month of my life. As much as I’ve tried to grasp onto them, the days have slipped through my fingers like sand, (something that is seemingly everywhere these days, thanks to the beautiful Sorrento beaches!). As I reflect on my time thus far in Italy, I cannot help but to feel overwhelmed with gratitude. This has been my first time in Europe, and I can easily say that my time here has been amazing.
For those who don’t know me, allow me to introduce myself! My name is Kiley Traynor, and I am a junior at the University of Denver with a double-major in Psychology and Italian. As you can tell by my Irish name, I am not Italian. I began taking Italian language courses at DU due to our foreign language requirement. However—without my knowing—that requirement quickly turned into passion. My first year, somewhere between all the moments of studying past tenses and vocabulary lists, something clicked into place. I fell in love with the language, and above all, I fell in love with learning the language. When people ask me, “Why would you add a second major in Italian”, I mostly just reply with a simple, “why not?”. As Charlemagne said, “to have a second language is to have a second soul”. My decision to take Italian is absolutely one of the greatest decisions I’ve made as a student at DU.
I was incredibly fortunate enough to have professor Roberta Waldbaum for not just one, or two, or three, but four classes my sophomore year at Denver. Without her, I would not be here in Sorrento. Nor would I have known about the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver. Nor would I have been incredibly fortunate to have received my incredible Giulio Marcantonio Memorial Scholarship—to which I am more than grateful for. With deep thanks to the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver, and the wonderful people who are a part of it, I am enjoying the most fulfilling and enriching experience of my life thus far.
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.
