Celebration of Italian Heritage Month in San Francisco

On Wednesday, October 2, State President Arlene Nunziati and Past State President Maria Fassio Pignati attended the formal opening of Italian Heritage Month in San Francisco.  The Italian flag was raised on the balcony of Mayor London Breed’s office, which was followed by a special program on the marble balcony overlooking the gorgeous interior of City Hall.  MC was SF Supervisor Catherine Stefani, who introduced Maria to sing the Italian and American anthems.  Speakers included Supervisor Stefani, Chief of Protocol Maryam Muduroglu who represented Mayor Breed, Italian Consul General Sergio Strozzi and Italian Heritage Celebration, Inc. President Paul Tonelli.  Tenor Pasquale Esposito serenaded the group with a beautiful Neapolitan song.  This was followed by a delicious spuntino outside the Mayor’s office, during which Maria was given a Certificate of Honor from the SF Board of Supervisors.  Later that night the exterior of City Hall was illuminated with the colors of the Italian flag. It was the start of a month to be very proud of our Italian Heritage! In addition, October 14-20 is the Week of Italian Language in the World. The celebration of Italian culture continues in November with the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World from November 10-17. Viva Italia!