L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2025 www.italoamericano.org L'Italo-Americano 2 I taly is beautiful year- round, but if there's one season that truly s p a r k s t h e d e s i r e t o t r a v e l , u n w i n d , a n d finally take that long-awaited trip to the Bel Paese, it's sum- m e r . F r o m t h e s e a t o t h e mountains, from art cities to c o u n t r y s i d e e s c a p e s , t h e o p t i o n s a r e e n d l e s s – a n d that's without counting the thousands of local festivals, cultural events, and patron saint celebrations that fill every region from North to South. Taking part in one of these is often the best way to experience the Italian summer "dolce vita" firsthand. But if your dream trip comes at no cost – flight included – then truly, there's no better time to go. Right now, in fact, is the perfect moment to take your chance and win a trip to Italy, specifically, to the one and only Tuscany. Italy's full of summer surprises, "The Tuscan Dream" Sweepstake could be yours From the Editor As we do every year, we're excited to invite you to enter The Tuscan Dream Sweepstake, a perfect opportunity to both support L'Italo-Americano – your trusted connec- tion, in print or online, to Italian heritage – and to win an unforgettable experience. L'Italo-Americano is proud to offer one lucky winner a one-week stay for two at the Castello di Montegufoni, a majestic estate dating back to the 10th–11th century, located in the heart of Chianti. The prize includes round-trip airfare for two. It's an invitation to walk where history comes alive among vineyards, olive groves, and frescoed halls; to wake up to views that once inspired the Renaissance; to try the rich flavors of Italian cuisine at dinner. All across the country, it's easy to find five-star hotels or luxury resorts with spas and pools set against lush green lawns. At the same time, there are plenty of simple B&Bs or quiet guesthouses for those who haven't already booked a charming countryside villa months in advance for a full sum- mer stay. Italy's hospitality industry is running at full speed, and this season offers an abundance of options to suit every need and preference. The countdown has already begun and, for just $12, you can enter for the chance to live your Tuscan dream, only a short drive from the magic of Florence, the open-air muse- um and artistic cradle of Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Brunelleschi. Pisa is also within easy reach from Montegu- foni Castle, and climbing the Leaning Tower offers a one-of- a-kind thrill –not to mention the breathtaking view that awaits you at the top. Every ticket you purchase helps L'Italo-Americano contin- ue its century-old mission: preserving and promoting Italian culture, language, and heritage across the United States. Until August 17, you can enter the sweepstake by choosing from a range of convenient ticket packages: 3 tickets for $25, 8 for $50, 20 for $100, 50 for $200, or even 80 chances to win for $300. Each entry gives you the chance not only to board a plane to Italy free of charge, but also to spend seven nights in a real medieval castle. Imagine finding yourself just 20 kilometers south of Florence (an ideal base to explore gems like San Gimignano and Siena) while sleeping beneath the same stone walls that once hosted valiant knights who led campaigns in Malta, Corinth, and Athens. So victorious were they that their family ruled the Greek capital as dukes for over a century. Among the castle's historical owners were members of the Acciaioli family, who returned from their conquests and renamed the estate you'll call home for a week "Court of the Dukes." If you don't snag the grand prize, there's still a lovely con- solation: second place will receive a handcrafted piece from the Gioielli Dop collection, made by master goldsmiths using traditional methods passed down in the Arezzo area since the 14th century. Third prize? A $300 cash reward. And for everyone else, there's the satisfaction of support- ing L'Italo-Americano and helping to keep the Italian-Amer- ican story alive, and delivered to your home every two weeks. You'll find all the sweepstake details here: https://italoamericano.rallyup.com/tuscany Join in and try your luck. Tuscany's heart is full of unfor- gettable experiences waiting to be discovered! 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 40156 Pasadena CA 91114 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 © 2025 L'Italo-Americano Membership: One year $59 - Single copy $2.25 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to L'Italo Americano P.O. Box 40156 Pasadena CA 91114

• Cover