L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026 www.italoamericano.org L'Italo-Americano 2 " The great double-leaf gate that has protected t h e e n t r a n c e t o t h e H o l y S e p u l c h r e f o r c e n t u r i e s h a s n e v e r remained closed for so long. Wars, dangers, tensions, and pandemics have limited access to the Holy Site, but never for such a prolonged and continu- ous period. This span of time has coincided with the Lenten season, a time of reflection and prayer that, as we move for- ward, leads us to pass through that gate, even if only one leaf is open." Speaking to Vatican News, Father Ibrahim Faltas, head of the schools of the Custody of the Holy Land, describes with concern the critical situation currently unfolding: "Those doors, always sacred, have been closed since February 28, and we are still not allowed to open them for rites that are not merely traditions or customs, but centuries-old practices." This year, Easter arrives without peace in the land of the three religions. Yet it is precisely in such dark moments that we must grasp its deeper meaning—the need and urgency of what it Easter and the renewal of social bonds within the community From the Editor represents: rebirth, hope, and renewal. Beyond religious denominations – which nonetheless remain an essential part of both personal and communal iden- tity – peace begins with small, everyday gestures: an honest conversation, an act of kindness, the ability to listen to others, an invitation to reconcile, to forgive, and to rebuild what has been broken. It is through these simple actions that a climate of harmony is first created and then sustained. Easter is not only a religious or cultural observance, but also an opportunity to renew our commitment to a more just and supportive world. It reminds us that, even in the most difficult times, regeneration is possible. And within that renewal, peace is not merely a dis- tant goal but something that can be built here and now, day by day, through individual goodwill and effort. In many cultures, this religious celebration rooted in ancient spring rites is not only a moment of intense spiritual signifi- cance, but also something deeply embedded in the social life of communities. It becomes an occasion for people to come together, share experiences, and strengthen their bonds. Dur- ing this time, families who rarely see one another throughout the year take the opportunity to gather around the table, recon- nect with friends, and celebrate with meals and recipes that reflect a shared sense of belonging. The Easter meal, for exam- ple, is not simply a convivial gathering but a symbolic space where values are passed down, stories are told, and relation- ships are renewed. Even preparing traditional dishes together, following recipes handed down through generations, becomes a moment in which connections are built and reinforced. Whether through religious rituals, processions, public cele- brations, or simple family customs – such as leaving a choco- late egg for children to discover – each gesture contributes to a shared language that brings people together, making them feel part of a group and reinforcing the strength of their roots. For many Italian American families, this moment has long been, like Christmas, a fixed point in the year, a time to slow down and make space for relationships. Tables set for celebration, traditional Italian dishes, or the familiar sweetness of a glazed colomba are not merely remnants of a heritage inherited from emigrant ancestors. They are tangible ways of preserving one's origins and remembering relatives who remain far away. At the same time, customs absorbed from American culture, such as Easter egg hunts for children, reflect a new sense of belonging and new forms of social gathering. This meeting of traditions becomes a practical expression of a unique experi- ence, in which younger generations grow up with a dual cultur- al identity, learning to value both sides of their heritage. Naturally, one of the defining elements of Easter is its sym- bolic association with rebirth. This is reflected not only in the spiritual dimension but also in the social one: it is a time when relationships are renewed, conflicts are overcome, and the future is approached with hope. Coming together, sharing, and celebrating become a way to begin again, to strengthen the rela- tionships that form the foundation of community life. Through rituals, gestures, and shared moments, people rediscover the value of being together, of keeping their origins alive, and of contributing to a strong and meaningful collective identity. In many Italian American communities, churches, cultural cen- ters, and associations organize events, communal meals, and celebrations that bring together large numbers of people. These moments carry significant cultural as well as social value, help- ing to preserve Italian American identity within the broader fabric of American society. Creating a space in which we feel part of something larger is, in itself, a deeply renewing act. Take this opportunity, dear readers, and prepare to spend a happy Easter. 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. 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