September 2025
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Labor Day is here, temperatures are cooling, kids are back in school, the leaves are starting to change – all harbingers of fall which will arrive in a few short weeks. And, before you know it, it’s October, which has officially been proclaimed as Italian Heritage Month. The Dante Alighieri Society, along with other Italian organizations are planning a number of events during the month to celebrate and honor our Italian heritage and culture. One event of special significance this year is the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the founding of the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver, to be held at Balistreri Vineyards on October 24. The evening will include food, wine, music and a tribute to the founding members and past leaders of the Society. Every Italian organization, state and local officials, our Italian Vice-consul, and our Consul-general in Chicago will all be invited to honor the accomplishments of the Dante Society of Denver over the past forty years. Details and registration information are available on our website. Plan now to attend this special event as well as the other activities happening during Italian Heritage Month.
Grazie, e buona giornata.
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 The Four Amicis to set the perfect Italian ambiance
- 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!
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.
On the second Thursday of each 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
Seats are limited for each tour stop — reserve early!
Registration will open on September 15
Reserve your place at the table — and let Italy come to you.
FALL SESSION OF ITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
The Society’s ten-week fall session registration of in-person and virtual Italian language classes is currently underway. The registration deadline for the fall session is September 14th, 2025. Classes are taught by experienced and talented bi-lingual teachers, and include beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes. Classes meet once a week for 90 minutes.
We are excited to offer a variety of class options to fit your schedule, including evening, morning, and online sessions via Zoom. Tuition is $130 for members and $160 for non-members. New students are welcome to join the Dante Alighieri Society when registering for classes. As our fall classes tend to fill up quickly, we encourage you to register early to secure your spot!
“I care not where my body may take me
as long as my soul is embarked on a meaningful journey.”
―
HIKING GRAN PARADISO 13,323 by Tonya Clement
Located between Valle D'Aosta and Piemonte Regions
One of the most enjoyable ways to spend the summer or early autumn in Italy is hike or climb in the mountains. There is a very extensive hut system across the mountain ranges that allows one to venture into the mountains carrying only a few essentials. Typically, only a small backpack is needed as the huts provide food and shelter (and wine). You need only carry extra clothing, ample water for the days outing, a compulsory sheet and any climbing gear needed for the objective you have set.
One can hike on dry casual paths considered easy from one valley to the next or utilize the more advanced via ferrate system that is considered more intermediate or advanced as you must have special gear to securely travel the steel ladders and more rigorous paths. Then there is the true mountaineering experience that place you on glaciated mountains that lead to the summits of some of the most breathtaking mountains in Italy. What makes this so comfortable is that no tent, stove or fuel is required for shelter, so you carry only a light load. Those of us used to climbing mountains almost consider this a form of modern-day glamping. It does allow you the option to do a fast out and back hike for one night or you can link numerous huts together to do a circuit which includes several days of travel.
GETTING TO KNOW SARDEGNA, ITALY
An Island of Mystery, Beauty, and Timeless Traditions
Sardegna, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, is a destination that captures the imagination with its rugged landscapes, turquoise waters, and ancient cultural roots. Known for its unique identity, Sardegna offers travelers a rare combination of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and a lifestyle deeply tied to its land and traditions.
Here are some fascinating aspects of Campania:
Economy:
Sardegna’s economy has long been shaped by agriculture, livestock farming, and artisanal craftsmanship. Sheep farming is a cornerstone of the island’s economy, making Sardegna one of Europe’s largest producers of pecorino cheese. Agriculture thrives with vineyards, olive groves, and wheat fields stretching across the countryside. In recent decades, tourism has become increasingly significant, with visitors drawn to the island’s unspoiled beaches, archaeological sites, and authentic village life. While industrial development exists, Sardegna remains deeply connected to its rural roots, and sustainable tourism initiatives are helping preserve its unique environment and heritage.
Architecture:
Sardegna’s architecture is a fascinating blend of history and resilience. The island is most famous for its Nuraghe—mysterious stone towers dating back to the Bronze Age, unique to Sardegna and shrouded in legend. These ancient structures, scattered across the island, are a powerful symbol of its prehistoric past. Sardegna’s towns feature charming stone houses with colorful facades, Romanesque churches, and Spanish-influenced buildings reflecting centuries of varied rule. Coastal areas showcase elegant villas and resorts, while the interior maintains a rustic authenticity that speaks to Sardegna’s soul.
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.
