L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2024 www.italoamericano.org L'Italo-Americano 2 O ver 72,000 visi- tors in one week a t t h e p o r t o f San Pedro. It is clear that it was a success. In the same place where Italian fishermen once arrived from the old country seeking the lost horizons of Sicily and Campania, and the blue sea that sparkled in their s i m p l e , p o o r v i l l a g e s , n o w stands the Lady of the Seas— the most beautiful training ship of the Italian Navy, a magnif- icent floating piece of Italy, the monumental Amerigo Vespucci. For nearly a century, young cadets embarking on this ship to become Navy officers have carried it in their hearts, forming bonds tighter and more enduring than the The breathtaking beauty of the Amerigo Vespucci in LA, Italy's floating showcase From the Editor knots they master on board. Nothing can sever their connec- tion to its white sails, golden portholes, and gleaming brass on the deck. Even those who admired it for the first time in Los Angeles will find it unforgettable. Unique in its kind, it embodies not just a piece of history but also a spirit of adventure and legend, exuding unmatched charisma as it sails the seas. The docking of the Amerigo Vespucci on the Californian coast was a significant moment for many Italians and Ital- ian-Americans. It was a blend of tradition and innovation, past and future, elegance and simplicity. Watching the sailors climb to the top of the masts, trying to count the sails, and following the intricate web of lines and ropes was mes- merizing. Some 42,000 visitors boarded, imagining them- selves at sea, standing on the wooden poop deck, and feeling the thrill of the waves like the ship's figurehead, which always holds a mythological allure. They were instantly cap- tivated by the spectacle of the deck. On land, the entire atmosphere invited dreams of Italy. Con te partirò, su navi per mari che io lo so, no no, non esistono più: indeed, Andrea Bocelli's famous song, with its lyrics about traveling on ships across the seas, perfectly captured the essence of this extraordinary journey. Villaggio Italia, featuring 30 events and 140 hours of shows, presented the best of Italy— evoking a sense of homecoming for many, a discovery for others, and joy for all. From art displays to cooking shows; from performances by the Fanfare of the Carabinieri Cadet Legion to the music of the Accademia Teatro alla Scala; from screenings of Ital- ian films curated by the Venice Biennale International Film Festival to the exhibition of historical Olympic torches; and then the Italia Geniale design exhibition organized by the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy, all the way to the photographic exhibition showing the beauty of Italy's seas. There was something for everyone. The event highlighted university research, World Oceans Day goals, international conferences on the Blue Economy, and prospects for the Space Economy. On the pier, a vibrant and comprehensive portrait of Italy came to life, showcasing its eclectic Made in Italy, unique agri-food products, enogastronomic quality, artisanal craftsmanship, technological expertise, inimitable beauty, and the millennial richness of its cultural and envi- ronmental heritage. Social media also testified to the event's success, serving as a real-time barometer of contemporary interest. Across six dedicated Vespucci Tour channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube), content garnered over 97 million views and 20 million interactions, with 36,000 contributions generated worldwide. Two words stood out: "Pride" from Italians and "Wonderful" from Americans. The American media, including all major television networks, closely followed the presence of the Vespucci and the Italian Village in Los Angeles. Finally, the flyover by the National Aerobatic Patrol, which paid tribute to the Vespucci ship by drawing a gigantic Tricolor in the sky, stirred the hearts of those connected to Italy. This meeting of legends left a profound impression on the thoughts, memories, encounters, and future projects of the many who experienced Italy far from home or found it anew in their American home. Simone Schiavinato, Editor Simone Schiavinato NEWS & FEATURES TOP STORIES PEOPLE EVENTS Member of FUSIE (Federazione Unitaria Stampa Italianaall'Estero), COGITO L'Italo-Americano Please send correspondence to P.O. BOX 6528, ALTADENA, CA 91003 www.italoamericano.org L'Italo-Americano Newspaper (a 501(c)(3) non- profit organization), www.italoamericano.org, is the largest and longest-running Italian news- paper in America, not to mention the cultural and news resource for all things Italian in the US. A bilingual newspaper which represents an historical landmark for the Italian American Communities in the West Coast and throughout the US. L'Italo-Americano benefits from subsidies by the Italian Government, Memberships and Donations intended to support and not interrupt a mission that began in 1908 to preserve and promote the Italian language and culture in the USA Periodicals postage paid at Monrovia, California 91016, and additional mailing offices. PUBLISHER Robert Barbera Grande Ufficiale EDITOR IN CHIEF Simone Schiavinato ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER Patrick Abbate EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Barbara Minafra COPY EDITOR Francesca Bezzone LOS ANGELES CONTRIBUTOR Silvia Nittoli SAN FRANCISCO CONTRIBUTOR Serena Perfetto SEATTLE CONTRIBUTOR Rita Cipalla CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mariella Radaelli, Matt Walker, Francesca Bezzone, Luca Ferrari, Stefano Carnevali, Paula Reynolds, Teresa Di Fresco Nicoletta Curradi, Generoso D'Agnese, Jessica S. Levy, Fabrizio Del Bimbo, Maria Gloria, Chuck Pecoraro, Anthony Di Renzo Serena Perfetto, Kenneth Scambray, Chiara D'Alessio, Luca Signorini, Giulia Franceschini © 2024 L'Italo-Americano Membership: One year $59 - Single copy $2.25 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to L'Italo Americano PO Box 6528 Altadena, CA 91003 P.O.BOX 6528, ALTADENA, CA 91003 P.O.BOX 6528, ALTADENA, CA 91003

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