L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2024 www.italoamericano.org L'Italo-Americano 2 A t the beginning of D e c e m b e r , t h e U N E S C O I n t e r - g o v e r n m e n t a l C o m m i t t e e f o r the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage officially d e c l a r e d I t a l y ' s t r a d i t i o n a l bell-ringing art as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This millennia- old sound, heard in towns and cities across the peninsula and marking the rhythms of daily life, is yet another precious gift to Italy, delivered just in time for Christmas. It highlights the shared value of a tradi- t i o n t h a t h a s a l w a y s u n i t e d g e n e r a t i o n s a n d c u l t u r e s through the harmonious chime of bells. Beyond their "din- don-dan", there's more than acoustics and ringing tech- niques—it's also about craftsmanship: from the art of bronze casting to the skill of constructing sturdy bell towers and belfries. "I want to dedicate this recognition to the younger gener- L'Italo-Americano is your voice: continue supporting it in 2025 From the Editor ations so they can continue preserving the traditional art of bell-ringers. That sound, coming from thousands of bell towers in villages and towns across Italy, touches our very souls. It's the famous 'Sunday sound' that has always marked our festive days," said Gianmarco Mazzi, Italy's Undersecretary of Culture, following UNESCO's acknowl- edgment. Just two days ago, the Jubilee officially began with the rite of opening the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica, led by the Holy Father. For believers, it is a time to experience God's grace and transformative power. For others, it remains a unique opportunity to encounter a city as breath- taking as ever, preparing once again to step into the spot- light. Rome, with its eternal beauty, holds a charm that must be lived rather than merely told. It's not just in its monuments but in the chance to share a moment of life with this millennial city, which has watched history unfold at its feet. The Turismo delle Radici (Roots Tourism) national pro- ject is an invitation to all Italian Americans to return home and discover lesser-known routes—places that may not be as famous but are no less surprising than the Colosseum. In Italy, after all, this is quite common: even the smallest vil- lage can boast a monument, painting, artifact, or hidden treasure. Every corner of the Peninsula of Wonders has a gem waiting to be uncovered. Let 2025 be the year to finally turn that long-awaited dream trip into reality. And this invi- tation isn't just for the lucky winner of our annual Sweep- stakes—which we promise to hold again next year—but for everyone who truly wants to reconnect with their roots. Speaking of which, if you'd like to suggest an itinerary for our lottery—a vital fundraiser that allows our non-profit to continue delivering the newspaper to your home—we're all ears! Every suggestion is welcome. Likewise, our mailbox is always open to your letters, memories, stories, and notifica- tions about events organized by your Italian-American asso- ciations. Never forget: "L'Italo-Americano is your voice." Founded to tell the stories and address the challenges of the Italian-American community, our newspaper remains as important today as ever, even in an age where we're glued to our phones. It's vital to share our experiences with the broader community, to feel part of a larger network, united under one umbrella that embraces our differences. Rediscovering our Italian roots, promoting them, sharing them, and living them together—or even putting them at the service of others—enriches not only our individual well- being but also the health of our society. We are proud to renew our commitment for the coming year and look forward to accompanying you on this new journey. Over the course of 26 issues—from January to December— (only 59 dollars for the paper subscription, and 24 for the digital!), we'll continue to tell the stories, places, and events that embody Italian-American identity. We invite you to renew your subscriptions (all details can be found at italoamericano.org) and to support L'Italo-Ameri- cano with your donations. Only together can we ensure the long life of a newspaper that strives to be a useful resource, a teacher of language, a reliable companion, and a valuable lens through which to explore both the Italian and Italian- American worlds. And now, as these final lines come to a close, we take the opportunity to wish you all a Happy New Year—may it bring health, happiness, and new achievements. Happy 2025 to all of you, dear readers! 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 Selling Homes Throughout The Bay Area Adele Della Santina "The Right Realtor makes all the di昀erence." 650.400.4747 Adele.DellaSantina@compass.com www.AdeleDS.com DRE# 00911740 Expert in preparation, promotion, and negotiation!

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